CAF relocates Confederation Cup final to Zanzibar due to stadium issues in Dar es Salaam, sparking surprise ahead of May 25.
For weeks, word had been swirling about possible complications at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam ahead of the highly anticipated second leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2024/25 Final.
The final, which features Tanzania’s Simba SC against Morocco’s RS Berkane, was initially slated to be played at the national stadium in the heart of Dar es Salaam.
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However, on Tuesday, May 20, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that the match would instead take place at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, citing time constraints related to critical stadium renovations.
“Unfortunately, due to time constraints, the Report of the internationally respected, independent stadium assessment company, concluded that the necessary repairs and upgrading at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium could not be completed in time for the hosting of the Second Leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2024/25 Final which is scheduled for 25 May 2025,” CAF stated in an official release.
Cooperation and Effort Not Enough
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CAF acknowledged that the decision came after extensive collaboration with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, and other stakeholders.
Despite these joint efforts, the final verdict from an independent stadium inspection left no room for compromise.
“We appreciate the efforts and cooperation from the TFF, its President Wallace Karia, and the Government of Tanzania,” the statement read.
“There were numerous engagements and assessments to support compliance with CAF regulations.”
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The assessment, commissioned by CAF itself, revealed that essential upgrades at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium — necessary for compliance with international hosting standards — simply could not be completed before the May 25 deadline.
These findings ultimately led to the relocation of the final to Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium, a venue that has recently seen improvements and is certified to host continental fixtures.
A Broader Vision for African Football
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The move aligns with CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe’s broader vision of decentralizing high-profile football events and empowering member associations across the continent.
“This policy is part of our vision to grow football at club and national level and help our member associations become self-sustaining,” CAF explained.
The organization has been pushing for more countries to utilize local venues that meet international standards, rather than relying on a few established stadiums for major matches.
While the change in venue may be a logistical challenge for some fans, it represents a significant moment for Zanzibar, which will now host one of the most anticipated continental club fixtures of the year.
The final is expected to draw regional and global attention, offering a boost to Zanzibar’s growing reputation as a footballing destination.
Confidence in Tanzania Remains
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CAF was keen to stress that the shift in venue for this final does not indicate a lack of faith in Tanzania’s broader hosting capabilities.
The country remains a key co-host for the upcoming TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, scheduled to begin on August 2, 2025, alongside Kenya and Uganda.
CAF reiterated its ongoing commitment to working with Tanzania to ensure that all necessary stadiums — including Benjamin Mkapa Stadium — are fully upgraded and compliant by the time the CHAN tournament begins.