Black Stars players fear injury on poor pitches

Veteran Ghanaian coach Abdul Karim Zito believes Black Stars players are holding back during national team games due to concerns over the poor quality of pitches in the country.

This concern comes in the wake of Ghana’s recent home defeat to Angola, where the condition of the Baba Yara Stadium pitch became the major talking point.

Following the match, CAF withdrew approval for Baba Yara Stadium, citing “persistent issues.” As a result, Ghana is now likely to play its next AFCON 2025 qualifying fixtures away from home, with the Ghana FA scrambling to find an alternative venue.

“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 from Abdul Mumin was right, but the pitch caused him to miskick,” Zito said in an interview with Joy Sports.

The Ghana Football Association is now racing against time to secure a suitable venue for its upcoming AFCON qualifier against Sudan in October.