Ghana scrambles for AFCON qualifier venue after CAF deems Stadia unfit

Ghana is in urgent search of an alternative venue for its crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Sudan, after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) declared the country’s major sports stadia unfit for hosting international matches.

The Baba Yara Sports Stadium, along with the Accra Sports Stadium and Cape Coast Stadium, has been closed for maintenance following CAF's directive, leaving the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in a race against time to find a suitable location for the upcoming match, scheduled for next month.

With no domestic stadium meeting the required standards, the GFA is seriously considering holding the game in Togo, as its national stadium meets CAF's guidelines.

Discussions are also underway about the possibility of using a venue in Ivory Coast, a country that shares close ties with Ghana and strongly supported the Black Stars during the 2024 AFCON.

Despite efforts to resolve the stadium issues locally, playing the home fixture outside Ghana is becoming an increasingly likely option, especially with time running out.

The match against Sudan is of vital importance for the Black Stars, who are currently in a precarious position in the AFCON qualifiers.

After a disappointing start—losing to Angola in Kumasi and drawing with Niger—the team finds itself in third place with just one point from two games.

To keep their qualification hopes alive, Ghana must secure back-to-back victories against Sudan.

With the pressure mounting, securing a venue for this critical match is one of the GFA’s top priorities.