The last time the Black Stars of Ghana played an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match at the Accra Sports Stadium was in 2008 which was over a decade ago. Since then, Accra has not hosted a major AFCON match, with most international games taking place at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
At the Accra sports stadium, the Black Stars have a win rate of 71.05% with 27 victories in 38 matches. However, Thursday, October 10th, will mark a significant return as Ghana is set to play a crucial AFCON qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium against Sudan who are being led by former boss of the Black Stars, coach Kwesi Appiah.
This match is expected to bring more than just excitement to football fans; it presents a lucrative opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and local businesses in Accra.
SMEs can look to maximize opportunities through strategic partnerships. Collaborations with larger companies or sponsorship deals can help small businesses tap into broader customer bases. For instance, local food vendors could partner with larger brands to offer special promotions.
The AFCON qualifier between Ghana and Sudan at the capital will offer various business opportunities, especially for those around the stadium. In anticipation of large crowds, businesses such as hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and retail outlets will likely see a surge in demand. Visitors from different regions and even international spectators will require accommodation, food, and other services, driving up revenues for local businesses.
Hotels and guesthouses in the vicinity of the Accra Sports Stadium are expected to enjoy full occupancy during the period. Many football fans travelling from other parts of Ghana will need places to stay, providing an excellent opportunity for the hospitality sector. Beyond room bookings, these hotels will benefit from additional services such as dining, event hosting, and transportation arrangements.
On match day, vendors selling food and drinks are likely to experience a significant boost in sales. Street food vendors, local restaurants, and beverage companies can all expect increased patronage as fans gather in large numbers before and after the match. Stadium events often attract high volumes of attendees, creating a fertile market for SMEs to showcase their products.
The seating capacity of the Accra Sports Stadium is 40,000.
A key sector poised for growth is retail, particularly vendors selling team merchandise, jerseys, and fan paraphernalia. During the 2008 AFCON, these businesses flourished, with fans eager to support their teams through purchases. The same trend is expected for the upcoming match, allowing entrepreneurs to sell team jerseys, flags, and other souvenirs.
Transportation companies, especially taxi services, bus operators, and ride-hailing services, will see an uptick in demand. With thousands of spectators expected, these businesses will be crucial in moving people around the city, offering direct routes to and from the stadium.
In the age of social media, digital marketing companies and online platforms also stand to gain. As businesses look to promote their services and capitalize on the influx of visitors, digital marketing agencies can offer targeted advertising to attract customers. Similarly, ticketing platforms, online betting companies, and streaming services could surge in usage around the event.
