Former Ghana international, Laryea Kingston has attributed the Black Stars’ 1-0 loss to Angola to the subpar condition of the Baba Yara Stadium pitch.

In their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Black Stars were defeated by Palancras Negras on Thursday.

The only goal of the game came late in the match when Milson capitalized on Abdul Mumin’s failed clearance, tapping the ball into an empty net.

Kingston believes that the poor state of the pitch played a significant role in Mumin’s misfortune.

“If the pitch is very good, I think Mumin will still be on his feet and have a clear opportunity of clearing the ball,” he told Joy Sports.

He acknowledged that while past teams have performed well on the same pitch, modern football demands better playing surfaces.

“For me, I know people will say previously we played on the same pitch and got results. I want them to know that football has changed…we want to have the ball on the ground, and we want fast pitches.

“The players who played the game, played last weekend [for their various clubs]…when they come here, because of the pitch they struggle,” he added.

In response to the game’s outcome, the National Sports Authority has decided to close the Baba Yara Stadium for maintenance in preparation for next month’s qualifiers.

The Black Stars will look to secure their first victory in Group F when they face Niger on Monday at 16:00 GMT at the Stade Municipal de Berkane.