Joseph Isangura
CAF has temporarily suspended Benjamin Mkapa Stadium due to concerns about the state of its playing surface.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, has put a damper on the excitement surrounding the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-final match between Simba SC and Egypt’s Al Masry, which was originally scheduled for April 9 at the stadium.
The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) confirmed the suspension, revealing that urgent repairs need to be made to the pitch to bring it up to the necessary standards for international matches. The suspension aims to avoid a longer-term ban, but it has created immediate challenges for the upcoming match.
In an effort to avoid disruption, CAF has asked the TFF to submit an alternative venue for the match by March 14, 2025. The TFF is now under pressure to quickly identify a stadium that meets the CAF’s criteria, with only a few days to make the necessary arrangements.
CAF will inspect Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on March 20, 2025, to check whether the required improvements have been made. Based on the outcome of the inspection, CAF will decide whether the suspension will be lifted or extended.
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This situation comes at a crucial time for Tanzanian football, with high-profile matches in the CAF Confederation Cup on the line. Benjamin Mkapa Stadium has been one of the most important venues for football in Tanzania, but it will need some work to meet the expectations set by CAF for international competition.
The TFF has pledged to address the issues swiftly, understanding the significance of the stadium for both local and international games. Fans of Simba SC and Al Masry are eager to see the quarter-final match go ahead, and many are hopeful that the improvements will be enough to meet CAF’s standards.
As the clock ticks down, the TFF is working hard to ensure that this critical game can be played without further issues. The coming days will be crucial in determining the fate of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, and the Tanzanian football community is waiting with bated breath.
