The Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Patrice Motsepe, has expressed his frustration following the ban of Ghana’s Baba Yara Stadium from hosting international matches. Last week, CAF revoked the stadium’s approval, leaving Ghana without a single venue eligible to host a CAF category C match for the upcoming AFCON Qualifiers in October.

The governing body cited several issues with the Baba Yara Stadium, including uneven playing surfaces, poor drainage, and inadequate grass cover, as key reasons for the ban.

Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi, Kenya, Motsepe highlighted the negative impact of such bans on the growth of football within African nations.

“Nothing frustrates me more than a national team or club side having to play home matches outside,” Motsepe said. “You can’t grow football if the national teams or club sides aren’t playing in front of their home fans.”

Motsepe emphasized that CAF’s goal is to ensure every country has at least one stadium capable of hosting a CAF category C match, urging nations to prioritize stadium maintenance.

With the Baba Yara Stadium deemed unfit, Ghana now faces the challenge of finding a venue for their crucial AFCON qualifying doubleheader against Sudan in October. It is likely that Ghana’s “home” leg will be played in either Togo or Côte d’Ivoire.