The National Sports Authority (NSA) has announced the temporary closure of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for maintenance, with plans to reopen it ahead of Ghana’s next international fixture on October 7, 2024.
The decision follows Thursday’s 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Angola, where both coaches and fans voiced concerns over the poor condition of the pitch.
As a result, the NSA will now work with Asante Kotoko to secure an alternative venue for their upcoming Ghana Premier League matches.
Kotoko’s first match of the season is scheduled to take place at the Naa Sheriga Sports Stadium, where they will face Karela United, but they will need a new home ground for their second game.
Angola’s coach, Pedro Gonçalves, heavily criticised the stadium’s playing surface after his team’s victory.
“We tried to play football, but the pitch was difficult. A country like Ghana deserves a better stadium and pitch for its talented players,” he said.
While Ghana’s coach, Otto Addo, refused to blame the defeat solely on the pitch, he acknowledged its poor state.
“I don’t want to blame the loss on the pitch, even though it wasn’t in good shape. The pitch was poor against the Central African Republic too, but we managed to win. We need to do better.”
The Deputy Director General of the NSA, Majeed Bawa, defended the condition of the pitch, questioning whether the Angolan team had any advantage.
“Were they playing in the sky?” he asked on Asempa FM.
“Both teams played on the same pitch, and CAF approved it.”
Despite the defence, the NSA has decided to close the stadium for repairs, including addressing damage caused by angry fans after the match.
Source: Adomonline
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