AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Ghana to host home games at Accra Sports Stadium after clearance by CAF

The approval follows months of renovation work by the National Sports Authority (NSA), with the stadium now deemed to have met CAF’s requirements for international fixtures.

The certification comes after the venue previously lost its approval, forcing Ghana to consider alternative locations for home matches.

The Black Stars will make their return to Accra on 27 September when they host Gambia in their opening home qualifier, three days after travelling to face Ivory Coast.

The stadium has faced questions over its condition in recent years, with concerns about its ability to meet both CAF and FIFA standards.

Earlier this month, Berekum West MP Dickson Kyere-Duah described the facility as a “death trap”, highlighting the wider concerns over the state of Ghana’s sporting infrastructure despite the latest refurbishment.

CAF’s decision has also opened the door for other countries without approved venues to use the Accra Sports Stadium for their home fixtures.

Niger will play its home 2027 AFCON qualifiers in Accra after receiving approval to use the venue. They have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Gabon and Lesotho.

Somalia has also formally approached the NSA for permission to stage its home matches at the stadium.

The Somali side are in Group C with Ghana, Ivory Coast and Gabon, meaning the Accra venue could potentially host several matches involving teams in Ghana’s qualifying group.

The 2027 AFCON will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from 19 June to 17 July 2027.

The top two teams from each qualifying group will secure places at the tournament.

The return of the Accra Sports Stadium to CAF’s approved list provides Ghana with a much-needed home venue as the Black Stars begin their latest attempt to qualify for the continental championship.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet