Former Ghana captain, Stephen Appiah, has spoken out about the ban on the Baba Yara Stadium, which will force the Black Stars to play their upcoming home matches abroad.
The stadium, Ghana’s only CAF-approved venue for international games, has been deemed unfit for use due to the poor condition of its pitch, resulting in the loss of its license.
In response, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is now considering holding the matchday three fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Sudan in Nigeria next month.
Appiah, who famously captained Ghana during their first World Cup appearance in 2006, expressed his disappointment on Twitter, describing the situation as a “national embarrassment” should we play our home games away.
“Playing a qualifier outside Ghana, except in a tournament, is a national embarrassment. We must prioritize hosting our own games and protect our football pride,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Playing a qualifier outside Ghana, except in a tournament, is a national embarrassment. We must prioritize hosting our own games and protect our football pride. pic.twitter.com/oFeYZYXDKr
— Stephen Appiah (@StephenAppiah) September 12, 2024
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Sports has instructed the GFA to request inspections of both the Accra Sports Stadium and the University of Ghana Stadium by CAF officials.
The Black Stars are scheduled to face Sudan in the return leg on October 15 at the Al-Merrikh Stadium.
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