Baba Yara Stadium will be ready for Black Stars' AFCON qualifier against Angola - NSA assures

Ashanti Regional Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Kwame Baa, has reassured fans that the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi will be ready to host the Black Stars' opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Angola in September 2024.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the match will take place on September 5, 2024. With only a month remaining, concerns have been raised about the stadium's condition following recent non-sporting events.

Players and coaches have often expressed dissatisfaction with the pitch, and these activities could potentially worsen its state. However, the NSA director remains confident in the venue's readiness.

"Ultimately, we will be able to say that we have prudently managed the limited resources from the Kumuyi program," Baa told Luv FM.

"We have covered our water bills, electricity, and all other necessary expenses, ensuring that the Baba Yara Stadium is in a condition we can all be proud of," he added.

Rwanda's Samuel Uwikunda has been appointed as the main referee for the match, with fellow Rwandans Dieudonne Mutuyimana and Eric Mugabo as assistant referees, and Ruzindana Nsoro as the fourth official.

Ghana, aiming to end a 43-year AFCON drought, will be under pressure to secure a victory in front of their home fans before traveling to Niger for their second match.

The 2025 AFCON tournament is scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.