2025 AFCONQ: GFA awaits CAF’s decision after Accra and Cape Coast stadia inspection

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is currently awaiting a decision from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the suitability of the Accra and Cape Coast stadiums for Ghana’s upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches. This follows an inspection carried out by CAF officials over the weekend, prompted by a request from the GFA and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The inspections were necessary after the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, which hosted Ghana’s last match against Angola, was banned by CAF due to the poor state of its pitch. The GFA is now relying on the approval of either the Accra Sports Stadium or Cape Coast Stadium as alternative venues.

Speaking during the #SaveGhanaFootball hearing with Parliament’s Sports Select Committee on Monday, September 30, GFA President Kurt Okraku acknowledged that the final decision was now in CAF’s hands.

“Mr. Chairman, we are waiting for CAF,” Okraku said. “We have done our part, and we are waiting for CAF’s verdict. The experts have been to the stadiums, and although I have received their feedback, I will refrain from commenting on it until CAF makes their official statement.”

Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars, are preparing for a critical doubleheader against Sudan later this month. The first match, scheduled for Friday, October 11, will be played at home, although the venue is still undecided. The second leg will take place on Monday, October 14, at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Libya.

The Black Stars currently face an uphill battle in their AFCON qualifiers, sitting third in Group F with just one point after a 1-0 loss to Angola and a 1-1 draw against Niger in their previous matches.