By: Kwame Bediako
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially rejected Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s request to use the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for their CAF Confederation Cup second round first-leg match against Moroccan side Wydad Athletic Club. The decision means Kotoko must play the important game at the Accra Sports Stadium instead of their home ground.
Kotoko, Ghana’s representative in the continental championship, is scheduled to face Wydad on Sunday, October 19, at 15:00 GMT. The Porcupine Warriors had hoped to play at the Baba Yara Stadium, but CAF ruled that the venue does not meet the standards required to host a match of this magnitude.
“Management regrettably announces that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has declined the approval of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to host Kotoko’s CAF Confederation Cup clash against Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco,” part of a statement from the club read.
Following the early elimination of Bibiani Gold Stars from the CAF Champions League in the first round, Kotoko is now Ghana’s only representative in the inter-club competitions on the African continent. The club secured their place in the second round after defeating Nigeria’s Kwara United.
In domestic play, Kotoko has recorded two wins and a draw in three Ghana Premier League matches ahead of their upcoming game against city rivals Nations FC on Saturday, October 11. The team will now prepare for their crucial continental fixture without the advantage of playing at their home stadium.
