The much anticipated encounter between the Black Stars of Ghana and their Sudanese counterparts in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier will take place behind closed doors.

This was confirmed by the Ghana Football Association in a statement released on Monday.

Thursday’s match scheduled at the Cape Coast Stadium is the first of a double-header between the two countries with the return leg expected to take place in Sudan next week.

Explaining the reason for the empty stadium, the statement said:

“This is part of a number of measures taken by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), to ensure that games are played in the safest possible way. According to CAF, games have to be played under strict conditions to ensure that players, referees and officials are protected from the corona virus pandemic.

The guidance outlines the processes that will need to be in place, before games are played. As a result, players, technical team members, essential service providers and ball boys will undergo a mandatory COVID-19 tests before the match.”

Journalists are not left out of the protocols. CAF insists that all stakeholders of the game must ensure that the game is played under a strict adherence to Covid 19 protocols.

“Members of the media are also being reminded that there shall be strict adherence to the protocols during and after the match. Journalists who intend to run live commentary shall observe social distancing during the match.

There will be no post-match press conference, Mixed Zone and Flash photo opportunities as only the photographers of the two teams will be granted access. But the Communications team will conduct a virtual post-match press conference via the official facebook page of the Ghana Football Association.

Again, the public should take note that the game will be broadcast live on Television,” the statement said.

The match is expected to start at 16:00 GMT