Accra Sports Stadium cleared as Niger, Somalia seek venue

Recent reports confirm that the Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana has received approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host international matches, including the Black Stars' 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches. This approval follows significant renovation and rehabilitation efforts by the National Sports Authority (NSA) to bring the stadium up to international standards.

The restoration project has been a subject of concern, with critics like Berekum West MP Dickson Kyere-Duah describing the facility as a "death trap" and raising questions about Ghana's sports infrastructure.

The CAF certification comes after the stadium lost its international approval, forcing Ghana to seek alternative venues for home matches. Now, the Black Stars can return to playing competitive matches at the Accra Sports Stadium, which will be particularly significant given the team's strong support from home fans in the city. The stadium will host The Gambia on September 27, just three days after Ghana's away qualifier against Côte d'Ivoire.

This boost for Ghana also opens opportunities for other national teams in Group A, including Niger and Somalia, who are set to use the Accra Sports Stadium for their 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, will determine the top two teams from each qualifying group for the continental championship. The return of the Accra Sports Stadium to CAF's approved list provides Ghana's Black Stars with a dependable home base as they aim to secure a spot in the tournament.