2027 AFCONQ: NSA seeks CAF’s full approval for Essipong Stadium ahead of Ghana-Somalia clash

The National Sports Authority (NSA) is striving to attain complete Confederation of African Football (CAF) certification for the Essipong Sports Stadium, aiming to accommodate Ghana's forthcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Somalia in November. Acting NSA Director General Prof. Emmanuel Osei Sarpong disclosed that the authority is addressing the outstanding prerequisites to guarantee the stadium's capability to host additional international matches.

Ghana is set to face Somalia in a double-header as part of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers' Matchday 3 and 4. Essipong recently obtained conditional approval from FIFA and CAF to host the Black Queens' Olympic qualifier against Mauritius on Tuesday, October 13, marking the venue's reentry into international football following years of limited use.

The NSA is currently contemplating Essipong as a potential site for Somalia's home fixture against Ghana to alleviate the strain on the Accra Sports Stadium, which necessitates repairs. Prof. Osei Sarpong informed Citi Sports that the authority envisions five venues, including Essipong, Kumasi Sports Stadium, Cape Coast, Tamale, and Accra, with Accra currently certified.

The authority anticipates completing the remaining requirements for Essipong to achieve full approval and become a viable international football venue. Somalia has already received approval from the NSA to utilize the Accra Sports Stadium for their home matches since CAF failed to certify a stadium within the country. Prof. Osei Sarpong mentioned that organizing Somalia's home fixture at Essipong would provide the Accra Sports Stadium additional time for maintenance work, stating that it would not impact the Somalia match and allow Accra Sports Stadium to "breathe."

The NSA is also tackling infrastructure issues at the Kumasi Sports Stadium, with dressing rooms identified as one of the areas needing attention. With Ghana's 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign facing challenges, as they currently hold no points after two matches in Group C following defeats against Ivory Coast and The Gambia, the upcoming fixtures against Somalia will be crucial in reviving the team's qualification hopes.