The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has given a provisional approval for Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi to host the World Cup Qatar 2022 play-off first-leg match between Ghana and Nigeria later this month.
This comes after CAF inspected the complex last Sunday since it became clear that the initial proposed venue Cape Coast Stadium won’t be available to host the fixture.
A letter signed by CAF Development Officer, Raul Chipenda and was sent to the General Secretary of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to confirm the decision.
“Reference to the CAF stadium inspection conducted to Baba Yara Sports Stadium (Kumasi) for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 African qualifiers playoff round match, Ghana Vs. Nigeria scheduled for the 25th of March 2022,” reads the statement on https://www.ghanafa.org/baba-yara-stadium-to-host-ghana-vs-nigeria-world-cup-play-off-tie.
“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 interclubs competitions following the implementation of all the CAF remarks”.
CAF also went on to add that the following must be done before the mouthwatering clash between the two West African giants in nine days time.
– Installation of new international standard, modern and comfortable officials’ benches at pitch level;
– 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;
– Increase seating and lockers in the teams dressing rooms to reach (25) persons;
Installation of completely new modern equipment and materials in the referees dressing rooms and ensure that is equipped with all the necessary materials and CAF requirements;
– Set up the water system to provide both cold and hot water in the teams and officials dressing room;
– General refurbishment of the CAF office, installation of modern desks and seats, including the necessary electronic and working equipment;
– VOC must be available and equipped with all the necessary equipment and requirements;
– Complete refurbishment of the media tribune, press conference room and media centre, installing new and modern equipment.
In conclusion, CAF stated that there shall be an onsite stadium inspector to conduct further assessment of the facility until the day of the match and failure to do the needful, financial sanctions shall be imposed on Ghana.
Ghana and Nigeria will lock horns in the 1st leg of the World Cup Playoff on Friday, March 25, 2022 at Ghana’s largest stadium, Baba Yara Sports, in Kumasi. Kick off time is 8:30pm(Nigerian time).
