Ghana still does not know where it will host Somalia on Thursday for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. CAF considers the Accra Sports Stadium only partially compliant, and the Sekondi Sports Stadium is merely an alternative whose availability remains uncertain.
Ghana was due to host Somalia at the Accra Sports Stadium for its AFCON 2027 qualifying match, initially scheduled for Thursday. According to Kickoff Ghana, CAF raised doubts after its latest inspection: the venue is only partially compliant and requires major improvements before it can host the competition.
With just days to go before the match, the venue remains uncertain. The Sekondi Sports Stadium has emerged as a possible alternative, but its availability is not confirmed, according to the same outlet. No definitive decision on the chosen stadium has been made public.
A damaged stadium and facilities in need of an overhaul
CAF reports advanced deterioration of the venue, with metal structures heavily corroded and rusted. The inspection also notes weaknesses in crowd management, emergency evacuation procedures, media facilities and security systems. The stadium has also been without electronic turnstiles and automated access control systems for an undetermined period.
The pitch is also a concern. The stadium had been rented out for a concert by musician Shatta Wale before CAF’s report was made public, and photos showed half of the playing surface having lost most of its grass, with brown patches in the penalty area and other zones. Ghana had hosted Gambia there on 29 September; since then, the venue has not hosted a league match, and the pitch has deteriorated further.
Okraku and Tanko call for unity
Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku sent a message of support to the Black Stars, Kickoff Ghana reports: “Be rest assured that Ghana is with you. It is now your time to go and make us proud.”
Assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko, for his part, believes that restoring collective confidence and a sense of responsibility will be the key to reviving the qualifying campaign, according to Ghana Headlines.
A Group C in need of a revival, with no points
Ghana are bottom of Group C with no points after two defeats: 2-0 in Ivory Coast and 4-2 at Accra against Gambia. They will therefore need to get off the mark against Somalia.
In September, Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Alidu Seidu, Nathaniel Adjei, Prince Adu Kwabena and Antoine Semenyo withdrew due to physical problems. Thomas Partey, Baba Rahman and Alexander Djiku were also unavailable through injury.