Ghana Premier League champions, Medeama Sporting Club and Defending MTN FA Cup champions Dreams FC have both settled on the Baba Yara Stadium for their home games in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup respectively.
Both clubs have had an appalling start in their first ever African club competitions in their history, with all dropping maximum points in their first group stage match.
The Tarkwa-based side were thrashed three goals to nil at the Cairo international stadium in Egypt by record title holders Al Ahly soccer club in their first Champions League group stage match.
The Dawu-based club on the other hand suffered a two nil defeat to Tunisian giants club Africain at the stade Olympique Hammadi Agreb in the first group opener in the 2023/2024 CAF Confederation Cup.
Following Medeama’s qualification to play in the tournament for the first time, the Yellow and Mauves were expected to play their home games at the T&A Park which is still under construction and yet to be completed.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially deemed the Cape Coast Stadium unfit for hosting CAF interclub competitions this season. The declaration was made in response to CAF’s rejection of Medeama and Dreams FC’s request to use the stadium for their respective group matches.
In a statement addressed to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), CAF recommended that both clubs select an alternative venue, with Baba Yara Stadium being the likely choice. Currently ,the Baba Yara Stadium is the only approved CAF stadium in Ghana since its renovation was completed last year. The stadium has been hosting all of the the senior national men’s soccer team games ranging from FIFA World Cup qualifiers to the AFCON Qualifiers.
Following the selection of the Baba Yara stadium as the hosting grounds, Medeama SC paid a courtesy visit to the Manhyia Palace to express gratitude to His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, for granting them permission to play their CAF Champions League match against CR Belouizdad in Kumasi.
Led by Frederick Acheampong, an Executive Council member of the Ghana Football Association, the delegation sought the King’s blessings for the crucial fixture and acknowledged the honor of hosting their international games in Kumasi. The Asantehene, known for his passion for football, warmly welcomed the team, expressing confidence in their success and urging them to represent Ghana with pride.
This is the first time that two Ghanaian clubs would be playing in both the CAF confederation cup and the Champions League in Ghana’s history since 2006, when both Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko played in the group stage of the CAF Champions League.
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Story by: Asack Pius | univers.ug.edu.gh
