Asamoah Gyan has revealed his consistent advocacy for Black Stars games to be held at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

The former Black Stars captain explained that while Kumasi is regarded as the ‘spiritual home’ of Ghana football, he frequently urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to host matches there due to his strong connection to Kumasi Asante Kotoko and the people of Asanteman.

“Because I love the club, I made sure that we played Ghana matches here,” Gyan stated in an interview with Kumasi-based Pure FM. Gyan, who participated in the 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cups, remains the country’s all-time leading goal scorer and announced his retirement from football in June 2023.

Gyan had expressed his admiration for the Porcupine Warriors, stating that he had hoped to play for the club before retiring. Unfortunately, injuries hampered his dreams, and he ended up playing for Legon Cities before hanging up his boots.

Looking ahead, the Black Stars’ 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers are expected to be staged at the Baba Yara Stadium, as it is the only venue in Ghana that meets the standards set by CAF and FIFA. In these qualifiers, Ghana will compete in Group F alongside Angola, Niger, and Sudan.