CAF Rejects Baba Yara, Kotoko To Host Wydad in Accra

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has rejected Asante Kotoko’s request to host their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round match against Moroccan side Wydad Athletic Club at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

The Porcupine Warriors had hoped to play at their traditional home ground, believing that recent facility upgrades would meet CAF’s requirements. However, the continental football body ruled that the stadium still does not meet the standards needed to host international matches.

In a statement, Asante Kotoko confirmed the development, saying,
“Management regrettably announces that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has declined the approval of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to host Asante Kotoko’s CAF Confederation Cup clash against Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco.”

The club added that the crucial first-leg encounter will now take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 19, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

Asante Kotoko reached this stage after an impressive 5–3 aggregate win over Nigeria’s Kwara United in the first round, which was also played in Accra. The Kumasi-based club will now have to adapt to playing their continental match away from home once again.

Before the CAF match, Kotoko will meet local rivals Nations FC in the Ghana Premier League on October 11. Coach Zito, who guided Dreams FC to the semi-finals of last season’s CAF Confederation Cup, is expected to rely on his experience to push the Porcupine Warriors further in the tournament.

Star forward Albert Amoah, who sustained an injury in the league game against Bibiani Gold Stars, is likely to return in time to boost the squad for the first leg.

Despite losing the advantage of playing in front of their home fans in Kumasi, Kotoko remains determined to reach the group stage and prove themselves against one of North Africa’s toughest clubs.