Cote D’Ivoire-Benin qualifier relocated to Ghana

The Cote D’Ivoire-Benin qualifier has been relocated to Ghana due to continued violence in Abidjan.After much debate and rumors about where to play the Cote D’Ivoire-Benin qualifier slated for March 26, the Ivorian FA (FIF) has finally announced the encounter had been relocated to Ghana following continued political violence in the Ivorian main city Abidjan, where the meeting was originally scheduled to hold.

The FIF President Jacque Anoma told reporters Saturday that he had endeavored to maintain the meeting in Abidjan even after FIFA had pressed for relocation; but that after several consultations with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) the choice of Ghana prevailed as the new venue, according to state newspaper Fraternite Matin.

“We thought we could host the match in Abidjan even after FIFA’s pressure to move it from here, but the situation on the ground and lack of security guarantee from the government led us –we and CAF to decide on relocation to nearby Accra, Ghana,” Anoma said.

”The players will be in Accra from Tuesday, March 21. They will do a few days of preparation and will play this match that is very crucial for Côte d’Ivoire,” he added.

The meeting will hold at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra, according to Anoma. Cote D’Ivoire are topping Group H with 6 points, followed by Benin (4pts), Burundi (1pt) and Rwanda (0pt).