Ghana risks losing U-20 AFCON hosting rights over poor preparations

Ghana risks losing the hosting rights for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations amid concerns over the condition of proposed stadiums and the lack of visible infrastructure upgrades.CAF awarded Ghana the hosting rights in April 2026, with the tournament expected to take place in February and March 2027 as part of the countrys 70th Independence anniversary celebrations.Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Cape Coast Stadium and the University of Ghana Stadium have been earmarked for the competition, with the Accra Sports Stadium also under consideration.However, concerns remain over the condition of these facilities, with no clear public evidence of major upgrades completed across the proposed venues.The Accra Sports Stadium recently hosted Ghanas 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against The Gambia, but the continued use of stadium facilities for concerts and church conferences raises questions about pitch maintenance and readiness for the tournament.Ghana last hosted the competition in 1999, when the Black Satellites won the title.With the tournament approaching, the government and football authorities face pressure to demonstrate progress on preparations and ensure the venues meet CAFs requirements.Failure to address the concerns could put Ghanas hosting arrangement at risk, although CAF has not announced any decision to withdraw the rights