As the Black Stars gear up for their crucial AFCON qualifier against Angola on September 5, the pitch at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium is receiving much-needed attention.
A viral video circulating on social media shows a water tank pumping large volumes of water onto the pitch, sparking renewed discussions about the deteriorating state of sports facilities in Ghana.
The Ghanaian National Men’s Football Team will host Angola in the opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at the iconic Baba Yara Stadium. Drawn into Group F alongside Angola, Niger, and Sudan, the Black Stars aim to secure one of the top two spots in the group to qualify for next year’s AFCON in Morocco.
The upcoming 2025 AFCON will take place from December 21 to January 18, 2026, in Morocco, following a schedule change by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that moved the tournament from its original June 2025 slot.
In recent years, the Baba Yara Stadium pitch has faced significant criticism for its poor grass quality and uneven surface, raising concerns ahead of high-profile matches. Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey even called on Ghana’s Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, to address the issue before their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Central African Republic in June.
Despite these concerns, Deputy Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Bawa Majeed, assured fans in an exclusive interview with ChannelOne Sports that the pitch will be in prime condition for next month’s game against Angola.
The state of the pitch will be crucial as the Black Stars seek to start their AFCON qualifying campaign on a positive note.
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