Acting National Sports Authority (NSA) boss Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong has revealed that authorities considered using the Essipong Sports Stadium for Somalia’s home fixture against Ghana in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers to ease pressure on the Accra Sports Stadium.

The proposal was aimed at allowing Somalia to host the Black Stars at a different venue while giving the Accra Sports Stadium some breathing space amid the demands of hosting Ghana’s international fixtures.

Speaking to Citi Sports, Professor Osei Sarpong explained that the authorities had explored the possibility of staging one of the two matches at Essipong, particularly the fixture in which Somalia would be the designated home team.

“We were trying to see if we could play one of them, especially the home match for Somalia at the Essipong Sports Stadium. It will be their home game. So it will really not affect us, so that at least Accra Sports Stadium will also have time to breathe,” he said.

The comments highlight efforts to consider alternative venues for the upcoming double-header as Ghana prepares to face Somalia in the race to qualify for the 2027 AFCON tournament.

Although Somalia would be the designated home team for one of the encounters, the proposed arrangement would have allowed the match to be played at Essipong, potentially reducing the burden on the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Essipong Sports Stadium, located in Sekondi in the Western Region, is one of the facilities that could be considered for major football fixtures outside the national capital.

The Accra Sports Stadium has traditionally served as the Black Stars’ principal home venue, hosting several international matches and other major football events. However, the suggestion to use another facility reflects the importance of exploring alternative venues when scheduling demands require it.

Professor Osei Sarpong’s remarks indicate that the idea was considered as part of efforts to manage the use of the country’s sporting infrastructure.

The Black Stars are seeking to revive their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign after suffering defeats in their opening matches against Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

The upcoming fixtures against Somalia are therefore expected to be important for Ghana as the team looks to improve its position in the group and restore confidence among supporters.