The journey to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begins today as the Black Stars host Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Known for its electrifying atmosphere, Baba Yara Stadium promises a formidable backdrop for the match, echoing the enthusiasm seen at iconic venues like Anfield and Old Trafford.
With a capacity of 40,000, Baba Yara Stadium transforms into an intimidating fortress for visiting teams.
The Black Stars have a remarkable track record at this venue, having gone unbeaten in their last 10 matches.
Their last defeat at this stadium was in February 2000, when they lost to South Africa in the quarter-finals of the AFCON.
The stadium has witnessed several memorable victories for Ghana, including a resounding 6-0 win against Egypt during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, a crucial comeback against the Central African Republic (CAR) that secured their place in the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, and a vital goalless draw against Nigeria in the 2022 World Cup qualification playoff, which Ghana won on away goals.
These performances, combined with the raucous support from the home crowd, give the Black Stars a significant advantage at Baba Yara Stadium. Coach Otto Addo has noted that the support from Kumasi fans has been a source of inspiration for the team.
“Kumasi fans, in my time, they never let us down. In our last game, we were 2-1 down against the Central African Republic, and they supported us.
They are always supportive and help us; they are like our 12th man, and we love to play in Kumasi,” Addo told the media.
The Angolan team, accustomed to smaller crowds and less intense atmospheres, will face the challenge of performing under the pressure of a passionate home crowd.
For Angola, an early goal or creating opportunities could disrupt the Black Stars’ momentum and shift the game’s dynamics.
The Black Stars, featuring a blend of experienced players like Thomas Partey and emerging talents like Fatawu Issahaku, will aim to harness the energy of the Kumasi crowd to secure a solid start to their AFCON qualifying campaign.
With coach Otto Addo at the helm, Ghana will look to deliver a performance that reflects their footballing pedigree and capitalizes on the home advantage.
Baba Yara Stadium will serve as a venue and a critical factor in shaping the outcome of this crucial encounter as the match unfolds.
