Somalia writes to Ghana to host AFCON qualifiers in Accra

Somalia has asked Ghana for permission to use the Accra Sports Stadium as its home venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, AfricaSoccer.com can confirm.

The Somali Football Federation (SFF) has written to Ghana’s National Sports Authority (NSA) seeking approval to stage its home matches at the recently renovated stadium.

Somalia does not currently have a stadium that meets the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) requirements for hosting international matches, forcing the Ocean Stars to look elsewhere for a home venue.

The request comes after the Accra Sports Stadium regained CAF approval following months of renovation work.

The stadium is currently Ghana’s only venue certified to host CAF and Fifa-sanctioned international matches.

Somalia has been drawn in Group C alongside Ghana, Ivory Coast and Gabon in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

The Ocean Stars will open their campaign away against Gambia on 25 September before a scheduled home fixture against Ivory Coast four days later.

If Ghana grants Somalia’s request, that match would be played in Accra.

The arrangement could result in the Accra Sports Stadium hosting matches involving two teams from the same qualifying group, with Ghana also expected to use the venue for its home fixtures.

Ghana are due to host Gambia in Accra on 27 September as they begin their own campaign under head coach Carlos Queiroz.

The 2027 AFCON will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from 19 June to 17 July 2027.

The top two teams from each qualifying group will secure places at the tournament.