AFCON qualifier between Kenya and Ghana faces venue crisis

Wakasu Mubarak of Ghana during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Finals Afcon semifinal football match between Cameroon and Ghana at the Franceville Stadium in Gabon on 02 February 2017 ©Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Friday Mar 23, 2018. 12:30

The 2019 CAF African Cup of Nations Qualifiers clash between Kenya and Ghana is set to be staged on foreign land due to the unavailability of Nyayo Stadium in Kenya.

According to reports in the East African nation, there is a high likelihood that the Group F qualifier pitting Harambee Stars against the Black Stars scheduled for September 7 could be played on foreign land.

This is due to both Nyayo Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani's unavailability as they are undergoing renovations for the last few months.

Media reports suggest that the two venues are the ones approved by Confederation of African Football to host such a competitive match.

Although renovations have started, the works have currently stalled and there are now fears that the facility may not be ready by April as earlier promised by the Sports Ministry Principal Secretary Peter Kaberia.

With time fast running out, Football Kenya Federation may be forced to seek a new venue within the required radius, that's either Tanzania or Nelson Mandela Stadium in Namboole, Uganda.

However, FKF president Nick Mwendwa remains hopeful that the stadiums will be ready by September.

"There has been no change in venue of the Kenya, Ghana match. We are waiting for the stadiums to be ready and we are pushing everyday that it is done on time," Mwendwa told Nation Sport.

Stars are currently in Morocco ahead of two international friendly matches against Comoros and Central African Republic slated for March 24 and March 27.