The Walias Antelopes will now host the Black Stars in the penultimate Fifa World Cup qualifying game in Johannesburg
Ethiopia have snubbed their earlier decision to host Ghana in the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers at the Nyayo International Sports Stadium in Kenya and will now play the Black Stars at the Orlando Sports Stadium in Johannesburg, AshesGyamera.com understands.
Although, the Ethiopia Football Federation wrote to Kenya Football Federation requesting their approval to use the Nyayo International Sports Stadium, they rescinded their plans and opted for South Africa in the eleventh hour.
The South Football Association reached an agreement with the Ethiopia Football Federation on Thursday and Ghana will now have to make change of plans as they will be heading to Johannesburg instead of Nairobi.
CAF notified Ethiopia that their favorite home ground Bahir Dar Stadium has been banned as a result of stadium non-approval to host international matches since it lacks a lot of things to help ensure COVID-19 protocols are followed to avoid the spread of the deadly disease. Therefore, a neutral venue was expected from them before the close of yesterday.
Caf sent a letter to Ethiopia Football Federation to submit a new venue for the game latest by October 20 so that Ghana can be duly notified. Although, initial reports suggested that the game will be held in Kenya, Ethiopia have chosen to host it in South Africa, an action many believe it is impregnated by several diabolic tactics.
CAF is now expected to officially confirm the venue so that it will guide the Black Stars in their preparations for the game scheduled for November 11.
With South Africa also in the group like Ghana, many people believe Ethiopia chose the venue to aid the Bafana Bafana as any results aside victory for the Black Stars will be an advantage for South Africa.
Meanwhile, South Africa will also host Zimbabwe at the Soccer City Sports Stadium in Johannesburg and they will hope Ghana will drop points before the final game.
Ghana defeated Ethiopia in the first leg at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium in August and will be hoping to complete a double over them to keep the chase on Group G leaders South Africa.
The Black Stars will host South Africa in the final round of matches at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium to determine who will win the group and proceed to the next round of the qualifiers.