Francis Ofori
Accra, Sept.12, GNA – Mr Mustapha Ussif, Minister of Youth and Sports, has directed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to request CAF to inspect the Accra Sports Stadium and the University of Ghana Stadium for Ghana’s next AFCON qualifier.
This was triggered by the CAF’s decision to ban the Baba Yara Sports Stadium due to technical infractions, including an unsuitable playing field.
Ghana would have no choice but to play on a neutral ground in their next African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Sudan.
A statement from the Ministry said, “The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has been tasked to immediately request CAF to inspect the Accra Sports Stadium and the newly-built University of Ghana Stadium, for approval as Category 3 match venues, for use by the Black Stars in its next international match in October”.
It said issues identified by CAF at the Accra Sports Stadium during previous inspections had been resolved by the National Sports Authority.
According to the ministry, the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, which had previously hosted category two matches, was likely to meet the requirement of hosting the qualifiers.
As part of getting the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in shape, the Ministry charged the NSA to take steps to fix issues with the pitch.
“The Ministry of Youth and Sports is confident that the University of Ghana and Accra Sports Stadia will meet the requirements for CAF’s Category 3 matches after the inspection, and again reiterate its commitment to upgrading the remaining national stadia to meet the standards required for CAF Category 3 matches”, it said.
GNA