CAF backtracks earlier decision, allows Rwanda to host Benin at home

The Kigali Pele Stadium where Rwanda will host Benin in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers | Courtesy Image

AFCONQ CAF backtracks earlier decision, allows Rwanda to host Benin at home

Allan Damba • 09:59 - 25.03.2023

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) have finally permitted Rwanda to host their Africa Cup of Nations qualification match against Benin at home.

The recently inaugurated Kigali Pelé Stadium has been approved to host the match.

This comes days after the continental football bosses had instructed the East African country to host the Tuesday game at the home of their opponent.

The Stade de l'Amitie Mathieu Kerekou in Cotonou, as none of theirs, had initially been approved.

"CAF imposes that, exceptionally, Rwanda vs Benin match be played at the Kigali Pelé Stadium (Rwanda)," partly reads a CAF letter.

CAF denied Rwanda's Huye Stadium hosting rights due to a lack of a Four-star hotel in the nearby areas.

"This decision replaces the second part of our decision of March 21, 2023, imposing that the return match be played in Cotonou," it further retracts.

CAF felt satisfied that, Kigali Pelé Stadium is situated in proximity to the required kind of accommodation for the visiting team and officials.

"There are adequate accommodation facilities in Kigali to accommodate the visiting team," the letter stated.

However, no fan will be allowed in the stadium as it doesn't fulfil the spectator requirements.

"Because of the fact that the Kigali Pelé Stadium does not currently meet the requirements in terms of spectator areas required to accommodate supporters during CAF matches in accordance with the CAF regulations."

The bout will be the final part of the doubleheader, with the first ending in a one-all stalemate in Benin on Wednesday.

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