The National Sports Authority (NSA) has temporarily closed the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for maintenance, with plans to reopen it in time for Ghana's next international match on October 7, 2024, Joy Sports has reported.
The stadium hosted Ghana's 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier opener against Angola, but the poor condition of the playing surface drew criticism from coaches and fans alike.
As a result, the NSA will now work with Asante Kotoko to find an alternative venue for their upcoming Ghana Premier League matches.
Asante Kotoko is set to play their first league match at the Naa Sheriga Sports Stadium against Karela United. However, their second home game will not be held at the Baba Yara Stadium.
It is likely the Porcupine Warriors will play their home games at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese.
However, after the game, Angola’s coach, Pedro Gonçalves, expressed frustration with the pitch.
“We always tried to play football, but the pitch was difficult,” Gonçalves said. “A country like Ghana deserves a better stadium, a better pitch for football. They have such talented players.”
Ghana’s coach, Otto Addo, acknowledged the pitch's poor condition but refused to use it as an excuse for the team’s loss, which ended Ghana’s 24-year unbeaten streak at the stadium.
"I don’t want to blame the loss on the pitch, though it was in bad shape. We managed to win on a similarly poor pitch against the Central African Republic. We just have to do better," he said.
In response to the backlash, Majeed Bawa, the NSA's Deputy Director General, defended the stadium’s condition, questioning the critics. "Are they implying the Angolans were playing in the sky? Both teams played on the same pitch, which was inspected and approved by CAF."
Despite the defense, the NSA has decided to close the stadium for maintenance and to repair damage caused by angry fans after Thursday’s game.