It's a national embarrassment - Stephen Appiah on Black Stars playing at neutral venue

Former Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah has weighed into conversations of Ghana potentially playing home games at a neutral venue, stating that it would be an embarrassment to the nation.

Appiah in a post on X, said that the only exception for Ghana to play their home games at a neutral venue should be at major tournaments.

He emphasized that the country should prioritize protecting its football pride by ensuring that the Black Stars do not host home games at neutral venues.

"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," he wrote.

The Black Stars are at risk of playing their remaining home games in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at a neutral venue after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) withdrew its approval of Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The Baba Yara Stadium was the only standardised venue in Ghana to host international matches, but the pitch and other facilities have deteriorated, causing CAF's disapproval.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars are now without a win in two games in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, losing 1-0 to Angola in Kumasi before a 1-1 draw against Niger in Morocco.

Angola leads the group with 6 points, followed by Sudan with 3, while Ghana and Niger are both tied with a point each at the bottom.

EE/BB

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. pic.twitter.com/oFeYZYXDKr

— Stephen Appiah (@StephenAppiah) September 12, 2024