NSA intensifies efforts to ready Accra Sports Stadium for Ghana’s AFCON qualifier against Sudan

The National Sports Authority (NSA) is ramping up efforts to ensure the Accra Sports Stadium is fully prepared for Ghana's crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Sudan, scheduled for October.

With the match just weeks away, optimism is growing following the release of images showing significant improvements to the stadium’s pitch.

The progress comes in the wake of concerns raised about the poor state of the pitch at the Baba Yara Stadium, where the Black Stars suffered a 1-0 defeat to Angola in their last qualifier.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) subsequently banned the Baba Yara Stadium from hosting further matches until it meets international standards.

There had been speculation that Ghana might be forced to play their home fixtures abroad, with countries like Ivory Coast and Togo floated as potential alternatives.

However, the Ministry of Youth and Sports reassured fans that Ghana had other viable venues, specifically mentioning the Accra Sports Stadium and the Cape Coast Sports Stadium as suitable options under CAF guidelines.

With the Baba Yara Stadium now closed for renovations, the NSA has shifted its focus to getting alternative venues ready in time.

The recent improvements at the Accra Sports Stadium have fueled hopes that the Black Stars will be able to host Sudan on home soil, avoiding the need to play overseas.

The match against Sudan is a must-win for Ghana, as they seek to secure their first victory in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers after earning just one point from their first two games.

The outcome of this fixture will be pivotal for the Black Stars' campaign to qualify for the tournament in Morocco.