The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved Ghana’s request to admit spectators for Ghana’s Group G FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifier against Ethiopia slated for Friday (3 September).
CAF did not grant the full 25% request of the Ghana Football Association but approved Two Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty (2,250) spectators for the match.
The approval letter signed by CAF Development Officer Raul Chipenda to GFA General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo, Esq. read:
‘’As is it known, we would like to reiterate that the CAF and FIFA COVID-19 match Protocols clearly state that all matches must be played behind closed doors. Nonetheless, CAF analysed and assessed your request from a medical, stadium requirements compliance, and safety & security perspective in your venue. Accordingly, a decision has been taken to exceptionally allow the presence of 2,250 spectators in the aforementioned match”.
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The letter went on to warn that “we kindly ask your cooperation to fully comply with the above decision, while noting that in case of non-respect, your federation will be subject to disciplinary sanctions by CAF’’.
Per the requirements of the Protocols, the Safety and Security Officer of the GFA, Julius Ben Enumah shall together with all the relevant stakeholders including the COVID-19 Officer, Dr. Christine Baah ensure strict adherence of the directive.
The GFA consequently advise all Ghanaians to obey all the Protocols strictly to first and foremost have a successful match and also to avoid any sanctions from CAF and FIFA.
The Group G encounter between Ghana and Ethiopia will kick off at 1900GMT on Friday, September 3, 2021.
Ghana’s Performance in The FIFA World Cup Tournament
Ghana have qualified for three FIFA World Cup tournaments; 2006, 2010, and 2014.
In 2006 they were the only African side to advance to the Second Round of 2006 FIFA World Cup and were the sixth nation in a row from Africa to progress beyond the group stages of the World Cup. Ghana had the youngest team in the FIFA World Cup 2006 with an average age of 23 years and 352 days, and were praised for their improving performance. FIFA ranked Ghana 13th out of the 32 countries who competed in the tournament.
In the 2010 World Cup, Ghana progressed beyond the group stages, and reached the quarter-finals where they were eliminated by Uruguay. Ghana was defeated by Uruguay on penalties after Luis Suárez controversially handballed on the goal line deep into extra time, denying Ghana an almost certain winning goal. Had Ghana won their quarter final, they would have become the first African nation to progress to the semifinals of the world cup. Of the 32 countries that participated in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, FIFA ranked Ghana 7th.
In the 2014 World Cup, Ghana was eliminated during the group stages.
