Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has criticized the inadequate stadium facilities forcing national teams to play their home matches outside their countries. Ghana’s recent ban from hosting matches at the Baba Yara Stadium due to poor pitch conditions has sparked Motsepe’s frustration.
Speaking at a CAF meeting in Kenya, Motsepe emphasized the importance of playing in front of home fans. “Nothing frustrates me more than a national team or club side having to play home matches outside,” he said. Ghana FA President Kurt Okraku attended the meeting.
Ghana’s Black Stars will face Sudan in a crucial AFCON qualifying doubleheader in October, but their “home” match may be played in Togo or Ivory Coast. This isn’t the first time Ghana has faced stadium challenges, having previously used the Cape Coast Sports Stadium and Accra Sports Stadium.
Motsepe highlighted CAF’s efforts to ensure countries have at least one stadium fit to host category C games. “Our conversations in every country are to make sure there is at least one stadium capable of hosting a CAF category C game.”
Nothing frustrates me more than a country that has to play home matches away from home – CAF President blasts Ghana and others#JoySports pic.twitter.com/AwSER46kdD
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) September 16, 2024
