The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has expressed confidence that the Accra Sports Stadium pitch will be ready to host the Black Stars’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against The Gambia.
GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum told 3Sports that ongoing renovation and maintenance work at the stadium is expected to be completed ahead of Ghana’s next home international fixture.
The National Sports Authority (NSA) has temporarily closed the Accra Sports Stadium to domestic football as work continues to improve the facility and playing surface.
Speaking on TV3’s Sports Station on Monday, Asante Twum confirmed that the Accra Sports Stadium is currently the only approved venue in Ghana for the upcoming AFCON qualifying match.
“The only approved venue in Ghana today is the Accra Sports Stadium.”
Accra Sports Stadium Pitch Undergoing Renovation
While acknowledging that additional work is required before the stadium can host the Black Stars, Asante Twum said plans are already in place to improve the condition of the pitch.
He disclosed that the GFA had held discussions with Greengrass Technologies, the company involved in maintaining the playing surface.
“There are plans to work on the pitch. Even this evening [Monday], we had a meeting with Greengrass Technologies, who have been working on the pitch.”
According to the GFA Communications Director, another phase of work on the pitch was expected to begin immediately.
“Hopefully from tomorrow, they will start working on the pitch.”
Concerns Over Accra Sports Stadium Condition
The latest development comes amid renewed concerns about the condition of the Accra Sports Stadium and whether the facility meets the required standards for hosting international football matches.
A recent assessment by 3Sports compared the stadium’s condition with CAF stadium requirements and identified several areas that require attention.
These reportedly include portions of the playing surface, damaged spectator seats, washroom facilities, floodlight infrastructure and visible corrosion in some areas of the stadium.
The playing pitch was also observed to have an uneven appearance, with different sections of the grass showing varying conditions.
Why Domestic Football Has Been Suspended
Asante Twum explained that improving the playing surface is one of the reasons domestic football matches have temporarily been moved away from the Accra Sports Stadium.
“It’s one of the reasons why there is no domestic football at the Accra Sports Stadium at the moment.”
The temporary closure is expected to give authorities and the stadium’s maintenance team sufficient time to carry out the necessary work without additional pressure from domestic fixtures.
GFA Confident Pitch Will Be Ready for AFCON Qualifier
Despite the concerns surrounding the stadium, the GFA remains optimistic that the facility will be prepared before Ghana’s crucial 2027 AFCON qualifier against The Gambia.
Asante Twum gave a strong assurance that the playing surface would meet the required standard before the Black Stars return to action on home soil.
“I’m very certain that before we play that game against The Gambia, the pitch will be ready.”
The assurance puts the spotlight on the ongoing Accra Sports Stadium renovation and pitch maintenance, as Ghana prepares for another important international football fixture.
The condition of the stadium will remain a key issue as the Black Stars seek to secure qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and meet the standards required for hosting competitive matches under CAF regulations.
Source: newsthemegh.com