Professor Emmanuel Osei SarpongThe Ghana Football Association (GFA) is pushing for Ghana’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Somalia to be played at the Essipong Sports Stadium in the Western Region.Acting National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong says the match could be staged either at the Accra Sports Stadium or Essipong, with a final decision expected following a meeting between the relevant stakeholders.Ghana is scheduled to host Somalia in the first of a two-legged encounter on Thursday, November 12, before the two sides meet again on November 16. Both fixtures are expected to take place in Ghana.Speaking on Asempa FM, Osei Sarpong disclosed that the NSA had officially received communication indicating that the first match would be played at the Accra Sports Stadium.However, he revealed that the GFA is advocating for a switch to the Essipong Sports Stadium.”The game can be played either at the Accra Sports Stadium or at the Essipong Sports Stadium,” he said.”Officially, the letter we have states that the game will be played at the Accra Sports Stadium, but the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is pushing for the game to be played at the Essipong Sports Stadium.”There is a meeting, and by the close of day today, a decision will be made on where the game will be played,” he added.The double-header presents Ghana with an opportunity to revive their qualifying campaign after a disappointing start in October.The Black Stars lost their opening two Group C matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia, leaving them under pressure to collect maximum points from their remaining fixtures.Ghana, who also missed the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, will be eager to avoid another setback as they seek qualification for the 2027 tournament.Essipong recently hosted the Black Queens’ victory over Malawi in the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers, making it a potential venue for the upcoming international assignment.
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