A member of the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Dr Randy Abbey has acknowledged the significance of playing Sudan in Accra.
His comments come after the Accra Sports Stadium received provisional approval to host the Falcons during the third matchday of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The Baba Yara Stadium was the sole venue authorized to host CAF and FIFA-sanctioned matches but lost its license due to the poor condition of its playing surface.
In response to the stadium’s approval, Dr Abbey shared his relief, stating it is a significant development for both himself and the Football Association.
“CAF has communicated with us, granting what can be termed a conditional approval,” he said in an interview on Metro TV. “This allows us to host the game on October 11 at the Accra Sports Stadium.”
He added that there are specific conditions that must be met before the match, indicating that the approval applies only to this game, and CAF will need to be satisfied with the stadium’s conditions for future matches.
“We are relieved that we can play this game here in Ghana instead of travelling elsewhere for an away match,” he remarked.
Dr Abbey emphasized the importance of preparing the team to secure three points in the upcoming match, urging those responsible for maintaining the stadium to ensure it meets the necessary standards.
The Black Stars are set to face Sudan, coached by former Ghana manager Kwesi Appiah, on Friday, October 11, in Accra, before traveling to Libya for their next qualifier at the Martyrs of February Stadium.
Ghana’s coach, Otto Addo, is under pressure to secure a victory as the team has yet to win in the qualifiers, having lost 1-0 to Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium and drawn 1-1 with Niger in Berkane.
Currently, the Black Stars find themselves in third place in Group F, with just one point from two matches.
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