Sports
Hearts return to Kumasi for revenge
Porcupine Warriors Kumasi Asante Kotoko and archrivals Accra Hearts of Oak will square off in a match day 31 cliffhanger of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, tomorrow.
Described as Ghana’s biggest league fixture, the ‘Super Clash,’lacks the glamour associated with such matches due to their respective forms.
Kotoko lost 2-1 to Berekum Chelsea away while Hearts lost 1-0 to visiting Aduana Stars in previous encounters.
Again, Kotoko sit 10th on the table with 40 points with Hearts two places behind them with 38 points.
The last fixture played in Kumasi was a home game for the Phobianswho lost by a 3-2 verdict.
In their last 31 games, the Phobians lead with 11 wins, while the Porcupine Warriors have nine wins, making the Phobians superior in the encounter although a Kotoko surprise cannot be ruled out.
Relegation threatened Accra Great Olympics would welcome Berekum Chelsea to the Accra Sports Stadium with the hope of returning to winning ways after going winless in six games.
Back-to-back defeats toMedeama SC and Legon Cities have plunged them into the relegation waters and would require nothing less than a win to breathe life into their situation.
At home, Olympics would compete with everything in them but Chelsea on the back of a huge victory over Kotoko would want to keep the smile on the faces of their fans; that means trouble for the Wonder Club.
Heart of Lions, who are a point above the relegation zone, will welcome league leaders Samartex FC to the Kpando Sports Stadium in a game expected to be full of fireworks.
Today at the Nana Agyeman Badu I Park in Dormaa-Ahenkro, Aduana Stars would host Nations FC.
Other games today will see Accra Lions host Bechem United in Accra while Karela United and Nsoatreman FC slug it out at the Naa Sheriga Sports Complex in Nalerigu.
BofoakwaTano will faceMedeama SC at the Sunyani Coronation Park tomorrow; BibianiGoldstars and Dreams FC will face off at the Bibiani Dun’s Park while Real Tamale United welcome Legon Cities to the Naa Sheriga Sports Complex, tomorrow
By Raymond Ackumey
Sports
CAF withdraws approval for Baba Yara Stadium
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has withdrawn its approval for the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana, due to technical infractions, including an unsuitable playing field.
The decision was made after observations made by CAF during the recent Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match between Ghana and Angola, which was played at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5th, 2024.
Based on these observations, it was determined that the stadium did not meet the required standards for hosting Category 3 international matches.
The CAF team identified several issues, including a playing field that was deemed unsuitable for competitive matches.
The stadium’s playing field had deteriorated significantly, with uneven surfaces, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cover.
The Baba Yara Stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 40,000, has hosted several high-profile matches in the past, including World Cup qualifiers and AFCON matches.
CAF officials expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the stadium, citing the need for Ghanaian authorities to invest in upgrading the facility to meet international standards.
A letter from CAF noted earlier concerns expressed by the continental body about the state of the playing field.
According to him, “It is important to note that, prior to the match, CAF had expressed concerns about the suitability of Baba Yara Sports Stadium for hosting top-tier international fixtures. Persistent issues at this venue, as well as others in Ghana, such as Cape Coast Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium, have also been noted.”
Given the absence of any other CAF-approved Category 3 stadiums in Ghana, CAF has requested the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to select an alternative venue from among those approved by CAF outside Ghana for Matchday 3 and 4 of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 qualifiers.
The letter from CAF also recommended that the relevant authorities “conduct a comprehensive assessment of all major international stadiums in Ghana to ensure they comply with CAF technical standards.”
Additionally, CAF advised that the stadium management engage experienced companies immediately to undertake the necessary refurbishment to meet CAF/FIFA standards.
CAF expressed its commitment to supporting Ghana (through the GFA) in bringing its stadiums up to the required standards for hosting CAF/FIFA senior international matches, offering to assist by providing an international pitch consultant with experience in major international competitions, including AFCON, to offer additional expert guidance on the necessary improvements.
The cost of this support would be borne by the GFA.
CAF went on to indicate that once the needed renovation works were completed, it would, at the GFA’s request and expense, conduct an independent inspection to reassess the stadium’s suitability for future matches.
The withdrawal of approval means that Ghana will have to find alternative venues for upcoming international matches, including the AFCON qualifiers.
The Ghana Football Association has promised to work with Government to address the issues and restore the stadium to its former status.
Sports
CAF, University of Cape Town launch Football Management Executive Programme
On September 2, 2024, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe and the leadership of the University of Cape Town (UCT) launched the CAF Football Management Executive Programme.
This initiative aims to enhance the governance and leadership of African football by equipping administrators from CAF’s 54 Member Associations with essential skills.
The programme, which blends online and on-site learning, was unveiled at an event attended by representatives from 28 African nations.
Dr. Motsepe emphasized the critical role of education in driving excellence in football administration, stating, “Education is the foundation on which excellence is built.”
The Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo, Esq., and Deputy General Secretary, Ama Brobey Williams, represented Ghana at the launch.
Prosper Harrison Addo delivered a presentation on the growth of Women’s Football in West Africa, while Ama Brobey Williams spoke on making African football more sustainable and globally competitive.
This partnership marks a significant step in CAF’s commitment to empowering football administrators and advancing the future of African football.
The Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo, Esq., and Deputy General Secretary, Ama Brobey Williams, represented Ghana at the launch.
Prosper Harrison Addo delivered a presentation on the growth of Women’s Football in West Africa, while Ama Brobey Williams spoke on making African football more sustainable and globally competitive.
This partnership marks a significant step in CAF’s commitment to empowering football administrators and advancing the future of African football.
