CAF Suspends Benjamin Mkapa Stadium Over Pitch Quality

CAF Suspends Benjamin Mkapa Stadium Over Pitch Quality Concerns

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has temporarily suspended the use of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam due to the deteriorating quality of its playing surface.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) confirmed CAF’s decision, emphasizing the need for urgent improvements to meet required international standards.

As a result, the CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) quarter-final match between Simba SC and Al Masry of Egypt, originally scheduled to take place at the venue on April 9, 2025, must now be relocated to an alternative stadium.

CAF's Directive and Inspection Plans

CAF has instructed TFF to submit the name of an alternative venue by March 14, 2025, to avoid disruptions to the tournament schedule. Furthermore, CAF has scheduled an inspection of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on March 20, 2025, to assess any improvements made before deciding whether to reinstate the stadium for use or extend its suspension.

The decision has significant implications, as the stadium was also set to host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals in August 2025, a tournament featuring national teams composed exclusively of players from domestic leagues.

A Setback for Simba SC

This marks the second setback for Simba SC in the current CAF Confederation Cup campaign. Earlier in the season, the club was penalized by CAF and forced to play their final group-stage match against CS Constantine of Algeria on January 19, 2025, behind closed doors. Despite the absence of fans, Simba secured a crucial 2-0 victory, finishing as the top team in Group A.

With the stadium’s suspension now in place, TFF and relevant authorities face a race against time to ensure necessary renovations are completed before the upcoming CAF inspection.