HARARE – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the African Cup of Nations qualifier between Zimbabwe and Algeria on November 11 will be played at the National Sports Stadium.
There were initial fears that the match will be played outside the country after the continental body adjudicated that stadiums in Zimbabwe could not host international matches because they were dilapidated.
The other major stadium which had been condemned was Barbourfields in Bulawayo, which, like the National Sports, has been undergoing a major facelift to meet international standards.
The two stadiums did not have press bays, had sub-standard changing rooms and lacked bucket seats which are all a requirement under CAF regulations.
The main outstanding issue at the two stadiums is now bucket seats.
CAF on Tuesday published a fixture list which showed that the National Sports will host the match.
It is unlikely, however, that fans will be able to watch due to Covid-19 restrictions on large gatherings.
ZIFA president Felton Kambambo heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing the news.
“This is great news indeed and we obviously welcome the development because it means CAF have placed confidence in us,” he said. “There was also the issue of costs if we were to play away from home. This is good news.”
