Niger and Somalia will host their 2027 AFCON qualifiers at Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana after selecting the venue for their upcoming home fixtures on Thursday.
The decision means both nations will play designated home matches in Accra as they continue campaigns for the tournament jointly hosted by Kenya Tanzania and Uganda.
Accra Sports Stadium one of Ghana's historic football venues will serve as temporary home ground for Niger and Somalia during the qualifying campaign.
Playing home matches outside their territories has become necessary for several African national teams whose stadiums do not meet CAF requirements for international matches.
The arrangement gives both teams an approved location to stage fixtures while meeting necessary competition and stadium standards.
Niger will be looking to secure qualification for another AFCON finals appearance while Somalia aims to make progress in a competition historically challenging for the Ocean Stars.
The decision highlights the continuing importance of CAF-approved stadiums across Africa with countries lacking approved facilities adopting alternative venues in other nations.
Accra Sports Stadium has hosted numerous major domestic and international football matches over the years and remains one of Ghana's recognised football grounds.
The 2027 AFCON will be the first edition jointly hosted by Kenya Tanzania and Uganda with qualification determining teams joining the hosts at the finals.
The argument doing the rounds in Kampala is whether Uganda's own stadium readiness will face similar scrutiny when the co-hosts' venues come under CAF inspection ahead of the tournament.
Key facts
- Niger and Somalia: home venue confirmed as Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana
- Competition: 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers
- Co-hosts: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda
- Reason: CAF stadium approval requirements
- Stadium history: regular host of major domestic and international fixtures
Source: Africa Top Sports
