The National Sports Authority (NSA) is working to secure full Confederation of African Football (CAF) approval for the Essipong Sports Stadium as Ghana explores the possibility of hosting its November 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying fixture against Somalia at the venue.

Acting NSA Director General Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong told Citi Sports that efforts were underway to upgrade the stadium to meet the requirements for hosting international matches.

“One of the plans is that we have Essipong Sports Stadium, Kumasi Sports Stadium, Cape Coast, Tamale and Accra. These are five we have, and currently, Accra is certified. Fortunately for us, we got Essipong temporarily certified,” he said.

Essipong recently received temporary approval to host the Black Queens’ Olympic qualifying return leg against Mauritius on October 13, 2026, marking its return to international football after years of limited use.

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The NSA is now considering the facility for Somalia’s home fixture against Ghana, which could ease pressure on the Accra Sports Stadium and provide additional time for maintenance work at the national venue.

Somalia, which lacks a CAF-approved home stadium, has already secured permission to play its home matches at the Accra Sports Stadium.

“We were trying to see if we could play one of them, especially the home match for Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium. It will be their home game. So, it will really not affect us, so that at least Accra Sports Stadium will also have time to breathe,” he added.

Beyond Essipong, the NSA is also addressing infrastructure concerns at the Kumasi Sports Stadium, including the condition of its dressing rooms.

Ghana have a difficult task ahead in the qualifiers after losing their opening two Group C matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia. The Black Stars will be hoping to revive their campaign when they face Somalia in November.

FKA/BAI