CAF Inspectors Expected at Essipong Stadium as Somalia-Ghana Clash Awaits Venue Approval

Reports indicate that inspectors from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are expected to visit the Sekondi Sports Stadium, popularly known as Essipong Stadium, to assess its readiness to host Somalia’s home fixture against Ghana’s Black Stars on November 16, 2026.

The anticipated inspection could be a major step towards securing approval for the Western Region-based facility to host the crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying encounter.

The proposed venue change comes amid growing concerns over the readiness of the Accra Sports Stadium, which has been the country’s principal venue for high-profile international football matches.

Although Essipong Stadium recently returned to competitive football after years of inactivity, its suitability for a high-profile CAF international fixture remains subject to the governing body’s assessment and final approval.

As of the time of publication, the reported CAF inspection and the subsequent approval of Essipong Stadium have not been independently confirmed.

Essipong Stadium in contention for November 16 fixture

The possible inspection follows earlier efforts by the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to secure full CAF certification for Essipong Stadium.

On October 20, Acting NSA Director-General Prof. Emmanuel Osei Sarpong disclosed that the authority was working to obtain full approval for the facility, following its conditional approval to host the Black Queens’ Olympic qualifier against Mauritius on October 13.

The match against Mauritius marked Essipong’s return to competitive international football after approximately seven years of inactivity.

The proposed November 16 encounter is Somalia’s home fixture against Ghana, although both legs of the AFCON qualifying double-header are expected to be played on Ghanaian soil because Somalia lacks a CAF-approved stadium.

CAF inspection could boost Sekondi-Takoradi

A successful inspection and subsequent approval would be a major boost for Sekondi-Takoradi and the Western Region.

The return of international football to Essipong Stadium could create opportunities for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other hospitality services.

It could also provide football supporters in the Western Region and neighbouring areas with an opportunity to watch the Black Stars without travelling to Accra.

The development would further strengthen the region’s profile as a potential destination for major sporting events.

Accra Sports Stadium faces uncertainty

The proposed relocation of Somalia’s home fixture comes amid concerns about the condition of the Accra Sports Stadium.

Recent reports have highlighted concerns over the facility’s infrastructure, crowd management systems, emergency evacuation arrangements and media facilities.

The NSA has consequently prioritised work on Essipong and Accra as part of a broader plan to improve Ghana’s major sporting venues.

What CAF inspectors are expected to assess

The inspection, if conducted, is expected to determine whether Essipong meets the required standards for hosting an international football fixture.

Key areas of assessment may include:

Quality and condition of the playing surface.
Stadium floodlights and lighting standards.
Dressing rooms and player facilities.
Safety and security arrangements.
Spectator seating and crowd management.
Medical and emergency response facilities.
Media facilities for journalists and broadcasters.

CAF’s stadium approval procedures require facilities to meet the applicable infrastructure, safety, security and playing-surface standards. A successful inspection alone does not constitute approval; the final decision rests with CAF.

Final approval remains crucial

The reported visit by CAF inspectors could be a decisive moment in the quest to bring the Black Stars to the Western Region for the November 16 fixture.

However, the final venue decision will depend on CAF’s assessment and official communication from the relevant football authorities.

For now, football enthusiasts in Sekondi-Takoradi and across the Western Region will be hoping that Essipong Stadium receives the necessary approval to host the Somalia-Ghana encounter.

APT News Ghana will continue to monitor developments regarding the inspection and the official confirmation of the venue.