Ghana's Kumasi stadium given conditions by Caf under which it can host World Cup play-off

GHANA'S Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi has been granted a one match approval by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to host the World Cup qualifier between the Black Stars and the Super Eagles on March 25 subject to several improvements.

Fifa has drawn Nigeria to play Ghana in a two-legged World Cup qualifier away in Cape Coast on March 25 and at Abuja on March 29. Originally, the first leg of the tie had been due to be played at Ghana's Cape Coast Stadium but with the stakes so high, the Nigerian Football Federation has complained to Caf about the state of the pitch.

According to recent reports, the Cape Coast stadium football pitch was badly damaged during the celebration of Ghana 65th Independence Day celebrations on March 6. Pictures published on social media showed holes in the pitch, while others showed work still ongoing, prompting Caf to act.

A Caf licensing inspector visited the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday to inspect the facility and after a tour granted provisional approval for it to host the game on March 25.  In a letter signed by Caf's development officer, Raul Chipenda and sent to Prosper Harrison Addo,  the general secretary of the Ghana Football Association, the confederation listed the steps that must be taken between now and March 25.

This letter read: "We grant a one-match approval for the use of Baba Yara Sports Stadium Kumasi in the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 African qualifiers playoff round match Ghana Vs. Nigeria.  Upon conclusion of the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 playoff round match, the stadium is automatically removed from the list of Caf approved stadiums and will only be approved for any subsequent Caf/Fifa international senior national teams matches and Caf men’s interclub competitions following the implementation of all the Caf remarks.”

Also, he letter further stated that the following conditions must be met before the match against Nigeria. They include the installation of new international standard, modern and comfortable officials’ benches at pitch level, the adjustment of the floodlight intensity, a minimum of 1200 Lux should be provided all over the pitch, covering uniformly every area of the playing field.

In addition, there should be increased seating and lockers in the teams dressing rooms to reach 25 persons. Caf also called for the installation of completely new modern equipment and materials in the referees dressing rooms and asked that the authorities ensure that they are equipped with all the necessary materials and CAF requirements.

Furthermore, Caf called for the setting up the water system to provide both cold and hot water in the teams and officials dressing room. It also wants to see a general refurbishment of the Caf office, the installation of modern desks and seats, including the necessary electronic and working equipment.

VOC must also be available and equipped with all the necessary equipment and requirements, while there should also be a complete refurbishment of the media tribune, press conference room and media centre, installing new and modern equipment. In order to follow the progress of the above-mentioned works in the stadium, Caf will designate a stadium inspector to conduct an onsite assessment up till the day of the match.

Caf stated that there shall be an onsite stadium inspector to conduct further assessment of the facility until the day of the match and in the event that the above mentioned conditions are not met before the match, financial sanctions shall be imposed on Ghana. If the conditions are fully me, the Baba Yara Stadium will replaces Cape Coast Stadium as the match venue.