AFCON 2023: Why the Black Stars are now training at a privately-owned stadium

Kumasi's Baba Yara Stadium may be the usual stomping ground for the Black Stars, but their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 preparations took an unexpected turn on Monday. 

After arriving in the Garden City for a nine-day training camp, the team led by Coach Chris Hughton opted for a last-minute venue change.

Instead of Baba Yara's familiar turf, the Black Stars kicked off their camp at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese, the home grounds of Ghana Premier League side Nations FC.

The reason?

A thorough inspection revealed that the Baba Yara pitch wasn't up to the team's meticulous standards for their vital pre-tournament preparations.

Twenty-four determined players, including stars like Joseph Wollacott, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, and Daniel Amartey, hit the Dr. Kwame Kyei pitch with purpose on day one.

Coach Hughton and his staff are no doubt hoping the change of scenery will spark the perfect blend of focus and intensity as they gear up for the upcoming tournament.

The remaining squad members, a talented lineup boasting names like Salisu Mohammed, Andre Ayew, and Osman Bukari, are expected to join the camp soon. With just one crucial friendly against Namibia set for January 8th, the Black Stars have their sights firmly set on conquering the pitch, both literally and figuratively, under the Abrankese lights.

So, while the usual buzz of anticipation may not be filling the stands of Baba Yara just yet, the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex is now the temporary heart of Black Stars action. 

And with Ghana's AFCON dreams on the horizon, every step, every tackle, every goal scored at this unexpected training ground will be a vital chapter in their quest for continental glory.

The Baba Yara Stadium has been a fortress for the Black Stars with their last defeat occurring on February 6, 2000, against South Africa and they are scheduled to play Namibia in a pre-Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Friday, January 8 at the same venue.

It will be recalled that the team had initially selected Johannesburg, South Africa for their pre-tournament camp, a decision which was criticised given that the AFCON 2023 was taking place in neighbouring Cote d'Ivoire.

About the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex

While the sports complex is named after the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Unity Group of Companies, Dr. Kwame Kyei, the ownership situation is a bit more nuanced.

Originally known as the Anane Boateng Sports Stadium, it was purchased by Dr. Kyei in 2007 and significantly renovated.

However, some sources clarify that the stadium itself is part of Dr. Kyei's personal property, while the club that uses it as its home ground, Nations FC, belongs to his two children.