Asante Kotoko will be compelled to play their home matches at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese, following the National Sports Authority’s (NSA) announcement of a one-month closure of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for renovations.
The closure comes in the wake of Ghana’s 1-0 loss to Angola in the opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, which ended a 24-year unbeaten streak at the stadium.
The condition of the pitch at Baba Yara Stadium has been heavily criticized, with many attributing the Black Stars’ defeat to the poor playing surface. However, NSA Deputy Director General Majeed Bawa refuted these claims, stating, “Are they suggesting that the Angolans were playing in the sky? They are all footballers… They all played on the same pitch. CAF inspected and approved the pitch for the game.”
Despite Bawa’s defense, the NSA has decided to shut down the stadium for maintenance and repairs, including fixing facilities damaged by angry fans after the match.
As a result, Kotoko will relocate to the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex for more than a month, affecting their scheduled home fixtures. The Porcupine Warriors had planned to host Nsoatreman FC and Young Apostles in consecutive home games on matchdays 2 and 3 of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season but must now shift venues due to the stadium closure.
The new Premier League season kicks off on Saturday, September 7, with Asante Kotoko traveling to face Karela United at the Naa Sheriga Sports Complex.
