Dreams FC coach, Abdul Karim Zito, has expressed concerns that Black Stars players are afraid of getting injured due to poor pitch conditions.
Following Ghana’s 1-0 loss to Angola in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at the Baba Yara Stadium last week, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revoked its approval for the stadium.
CAF has instructed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to find an alternative venue outside Ghana for next month’s fixtures within the next few days.
Zito, who also coaches Ghana’s U-19 team, said the state of the pitch plays a significant role in player performance.
“When you go into the coaching aspect and consider the factors affecting performance, the field plays a part,” Zito said.
“Our players are used to quality pitches outside, so they feel uncomfortable when they come home to play, as they are afraid of getting injured. If you look at the goal we conceded against Angola, the intention was from Abdul Mumin was right, but the pitch caused him to miskick.
“For these reasons, I’m okay with the CAF ban, because it will force us to do the right thing,” he added.
The Black Stars are scheduled to face Sudan in a doubleheader in October for matchday three and four of the qualifiers.
The team is expected to relocate to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Nigeria for the upcoming matches.
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