Asante Kotoko unhappy over venue change for CAF Confederation Cup clash

Asante Kotoko has expressed its dissatisfaction with the decision to have the club play its upcoming CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round match against Nigeria’s Kwara United at the Accra Sports Stadium, rather than at their traditional home ground, the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

The Porcupine Warriors are scheduled to face the Nigerian side between 19th and 21st September 2025. However, logistical challenges and venue clearance issues have forced officials to move the match to Accra.

During an appearance on Akoma 87.9 FM, the club’s Communications Director, Samuel Sarfo Duku, expressed concern about the financial and emotional impact the change will have on both the team and its supporters.

“The financial burden of having to move the team from Kumasi to a different venue for the entire duration of the competition cannot be underestimated. Hotel bills, transportation, and the lack of strong supporter presence all pose a serious problem,” he said.

Mr. Duku described the development as “unfortunate,” insisting the situation could have been avoided if proper measures had been taken earlier.

“From the very moment Kotoko qualified for the MTN FA Cup final, it was clear they were likely to represent Ghana in Africa. Even after winning the FA Cup, it’s been about eight weeks now. We had sent our request as far back as June 2, and all club licensing issues had been resolved. We were therefore expecting work to begin much earlier.”

He concluded by stressing the disappointment felt within the club and among its fans:

“I must say that we are highly disappointed as a club.”

Despite the setback of being denied the chance to play at their Baba Yara fortress, Kotoko will now turn their focus to preparing for the crucial preliminary tie in Accra, determined to make progress in Africa.