The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially approved the Accra Sports Stadium to host the TotalEnergies 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Matchday 3 qualifier between Ghana and Sudan. This highly anticipated encounter, scheduled for Friday, October 11, 2024, will be part of the qualifiers for the AFCON tournament, which will take place in Morocco in 2025.
The announcement came through a letter from CAF to the General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Prosper Harrison Addo (Esq.). The letter followed a comprehensive inspection and review of both the Cape Coast and Accra Sports Stadia by CAF’s independent inspection team. After the assessment, the Accra Sports Stadium was given the green light to host the crucial Group F match between Ghana and Sudan.
CAF’s letter detailed the decision to approve the stadium for the AFCON qualifiers, specifically for the Matchday 3 clash. It emphasized the importance of preparing the facility to meet the standards required for a continental tournament of this magnitude. The letter read:
“Following a comprehensive review of the reports of the CAF independent inspection regarding the Cape Coast and Accra Sports Stadia, we are pleased to inform you that the Accra Sports Stadium has been approved to host the AFCON Qualifiers for Morocco 2025. Specifically, it will host the Group F – Matchday 3 encounter between Ghana and Sudan, which is scheduled for October 11, 2024.”
The approval, however, is not without conditions. CAF has requested that the Ghana Football Association (GFA), along with the management team of the Accra Sports Stadium, prioritize essential improvements to the pitch and other critical areas within the stadium. This is to ensure a high-quality experience for both the participating teams and fans in attendance.
CAF also expressed that they will continue to monitor the progress and readiness of the stadium ahead of the match. This ongoing supervision is part of CAF’s commitment to maintaining high standards for venues hosting CAF-sanctioned events, ensuring that all necessary adjustments are made promptly.
The Ghana Football Association, through its communications department, has acknowledged the approval and is expected to work closely with stadium authorities to meet the required specifications.
The GFA will be responsible for overseeing the improvements, particularly in relation to the pitch condition, seating arrangements, and other key areas that contribute to the smooth running of an international fixture of this scale.
The upcoming match against Sudan on October 11 will be a crucial one for Ghana, as they continue their quest to secure qualification for the AFCON 2025 tournament.
The Black Stars, having established a strong reputation in African football, will look to take advantage of the home ground to put themselves in a strong position in their qualification group.
Fans across the country are eagerly anticipating the match, which will see the Accra Sports Stadium come alive with the excitement of international football. For many, the approval of the stadium is a vote of confidence not only in the venue but in Ghana’s ability to host key continental football events.
This development also places Accra in the spotlight, reaffirming its status as a hub for major sporting events in the country.
The Accra Sports Stadium has historically been one of Ghana’s most iconic football venues, hosting numerous international matches and events. It is known for its passionate football supporters, who have often created an electric atmosphere during matches, especially when the Black Stars are in action.
The stadium has undergone various renovations over the years, but CAF’s latest inspection highlights the need for continued enhancements to maintain its suitability for international competitions.
The match against Sudan will be part of Group F of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, where Ghana will be seeking to solidify its position in the standings. With the approval of the Accra Sports Stadium, the team will have the advantage of playing in familiar territory, surrounded by thousands of enthusiastic supporters.
The GFA is expected to announce ticketing details and other logistical information in the coming days to ensure that fans can secure their seats for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
As preparations continue, the GFA and the stadium management are urged to take swift action to meet the requirements laid out by CAF. Ensuring that the stadium is in top condition will not only reflect positively on Ghana but also provide a memorable experience for fans and players alike.
The success of the match could also pave the way for Accra to host more high-profile fixtures in the future, as CAF continues to evaluate stadiums across the continent for upcoming tournaments.
In conclusion, the Accra Sports Stadium’s approval for the Ghana vs. Sudan AFCON qualifier is a positive development for football in the country. It highlights the readiness of the venue to host international matches while also underscoring the need for continued improvements to meet CAF’s stringent standards.
With the match just around the corner, the focus will now be on ensuring that all preparations are completed on time, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting and important fixture for the Black Stars.
