It’s a bitter blow for Kumasi Asante Kotoko and their passionate supporters as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially rejected the club’s request to use the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for their upcoming CAF Confederation Cup second round first-leg tie against Moroccan giants, Wydad Athletic Club.

This means the Porcupine Warriors will have to trade their beloved Kumasi fortress for the Accra Sports Stadium when they face Wydad on Sunday, October 19, at 15:00 GMT.

The decision, which comes as a disappointment to the club and fans, follows CAF’s latest inspection report that deemed the Baba Yara Stadium below the required standards to host matches of such magnitude.

> “Management regrettably announces that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has declined the approval of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to host Kotoko’s CAF Confederation Cup clash against Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco,” the club confirmed in an official statement.

With Bibiani Gold Stars bowing out early from the CAF Champions League, Kotoko remains Ghana’s sole representative on the continental stage. Their journey so far has been commendable — edging out Nigeria’s Kwara United to secure a second-round berth.

Domestically, Kotoko are enjoying a solid start to the Ghana Premier League, boasting two wins and a draw in their first three games. They will, however, have to refocus quickly as they prepare for a derby showdown with Nations FC on Saturday, October 11, before shifting their attention to the crucial continental duel against Wydad.

Now, without the home comfort of the Baba Yara faithful, Kotoko face an even bigger challenge — to defend Ghana’s pride away from their fortress and prove that true warriors can triumph anywhere.