'It's a national embarrassment' - Former Ghana captain cries as Black Stars set to play qualifiers outside

'It's a national embarrassment' - Former Ghana captain cries as Black Stars set to play qualifiers outside

Hassan Abdulsalam 07:21 - 13.09.2024

Ghana is forced to seek an alternative venue for their next qualifiers after fans destroyed Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi following their defeat to Angola.

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah has expressed his disappointment and embarrassment over the possibility of Ghana playing their 2025 AFCON qualifiers in another country.

Ghana's Baba Yara Stadium
Ghana's Baba Yara Stadium

Reacting to reports that the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi has been deemed unsuitable by CAF, Appiah emphasised the importance of hosting home games.

"Playing a qualifier outside Ghana, except in a tournament, is a national embarrassment."

"We must prioritize hosting our games and protect our football pride," Appiah wrote on X.

The CAF inspection team identified several issues with the Baba Yara Stadium, including poor drainage, uneven surfaces, and inadequate grass cover. As a result, Ghana is now forced to seek an alternative venue for their upcoming qualifiers.

Potential options include the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, and stadiums in Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, and Morocco.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is expected to announce its final decision on the alternative venue shortly.

The Black Stars have had a mixed start to their AFCON qualifying campaign, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Angola and drawing 1-1 with Niger Republic. The defeat to Angola led to fan unrest, with supporters invading the pitch and throwing objects.

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