Former Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has criticised the Black Stars potentially having to play their home games abroad due to the recent CAF ban on the Baba Yara Stadium.
The stadium, Ghana’s only venue approved by CAF for international matches, has had its license revoked due to issues such as the poor condition of the pitch.
Consequently, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has been instructed to find alternative venues outside the country.
Appiah, who led Ghana to their first World Cup in 2006, took to Twitter to express his disappointment, calling the situation a national embarrassment.
“Playing a qualifier outside Ghana, except in a tournament, is a national embarrassment. We must prioritize hosting our own games and protect our football pride,” Appiah wrote.
The Sports Ministry has since directed the GFA to request CAF to inspect both the Accra Sports Stadium and the University of Ghana Stadium.
They are hopeful that one of these venues can be approved to host the Black Stars’ next game against Sudan in October, as part of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Appiah’s remarks resonate strongly given Ghana’s prestigious football history, including four Africa Cup of Nations titles and appearances in four of the last World Cup tournaments. The need to maintain high standards and showcase Ghana‘s footballing pride on home soil remains a significant concern.
