The Accra Sports Stadium is gradually regaining shape to qualify to host a CAF Category 3 match following the National Sports Authority (NSA)’s robust renovations at the venue.
Upon a visit by GhanaWeb, the pitch has recovered its lush green as works are still ongoing to get the grass level to the required length and also fix other aspects including floodlights and the washroom before presenting it to CAF for approval.
The NSA’s swift efforts follow CAF’s rejection of all national venues in the country, with the Black Stars at risk of playing their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations home game against Sudan at a neutral venue.
Following the major improvement and renovation works, the NSA has reportedly invited CAF for an initial three-day inspection from Friday, September 27 to Sunday, September 29, 2024.
The report indicated that the CAF officials are impressed with the works and are likely to grant Ghana approval to host the Sudan game after the final inspection.
CAF withdrew its conditional approval for the Baba Yara Stadium due to issues such as an uneven playing field, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cover, which became apparent after the Ghana vs. Angola match on September 5, 2024.
In response, the Ministry of Youth and Sports directed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to invite CAF officials to inspect the Accra Sports Stadium and the Legon Stadium to see if they meet the criteria for hosting Black Stars games.
Following the inspection, CAF’s decision on whether a stadium in Ghana can host the game is still pending as all the national venues have been closed for renovations.
Watch the current state of the Accra Sports Stadium
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