Stephen Appiah criticizes Ghana’s decision to hold qualifiers abroad
Former Ghana national football team captain Stephen Appiah has voiced his displeasure over the decision to hold crucial international qualifiers outside Ghana. Appiah, widely respected for his contributions to Ghanaian football, took to social media to express his concerns, calling the situation a “national embarrassment.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Appiah stated: “Playing a qualifier outside Ghana, except in a tournament, is a national embarrassment.
We must prioritize hosting our own games and protect our football pride.
His comments reflect growing frustration among football fans and stakeholders in Ghana, who are questioning why the country cannot host its national team’s important matches at home.
The underlying issue stems from concerns over the state of Ghana’s stadium infrastructure, particularly its pitches, which have failed to meet international standards.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently withdrew approval for the only certified pitch in the country, leaving the Ghana Football Association (GFA) with no option but to host games abroad.
This has led to logistical difficulties and the loss of home advantage, frustrating both players and fans.
For Appiah, the decision to play outside Ghana undermines the team’s connection with local supporters and diminishes the pride that comes with defending home turf.
His comments have resonated deeply with football enthusiasts across the country, many of whom believe the decision reflects a broader neglect of sports infrastructure.
Fans and stakeholders alike have expressed their disappointment in the situation, criticizing the National Sports Authority for not maintaining the pitches adequately.
Hosting qualifiers in foreign venues strips Ghana of the familiar home atmosphere that often gives teams an advantage.
Additionally, it deprives local fans of the opportunity to watch their national team in action, thereby weakening the bond between the team and its supporters.
Appiah’s concerns are not without merit. The former Black Stars captain has been a prominent figure in Ghanaian football for many years and remains a passionate advocate for the sport’s growth in the country.
His views on the issue of playing home matches abroad reflect a broader sense of disillusionment with how football administration in the country is being handled, particularly when it comes to infrastructure.
The ongoing debate has sparked calls for urgent action to improve the country’s stadiums and ensure that future matches can be held at home.
Many fans believe that the pride of Ghanaian football lies in its ability to host games in front of passionate home crowds, and that neglecting this aspect could have long-term effects on the national team’s performance.
Appiah’s call for prioritizing home games comes at a time when the team is preparing for critical qualifiers in international tournaments.
His hope, shared by many, is that the necessary investments will be made to restore Ghana’s ability to host matches on its own soil, reinforcing national pride and giving the Black Stars the home advantage they deserve.
The conversation surrounding the state of Ghanaian football infrastructure continues to gather momentum, with Appiah’s words serving as a rallying cry for improvements that could benefit the future of the sport in the country.
