Reviewed by Praise Dumi DhlakamaZimbabwe sports betting writer
Published 13 October 2026
CAF has given Zimbabwe exceptional and strictly conditional authorisation to admit a maximum of 10,000 spectators per match at the National Sports Stadium, the Zimbabwe Football Association announced.
The authorisation covers two matches at the ground. One is the second leg of the women’s Olympic qualifying tie against Malawi on 13 October. The other brings Scottland FC together with Atlético Petróleos de Luanda in the CAF Champions League.
The Mighty Warriors trail by 2 goals
Malawi beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the first leg at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on 9 October. The tie is a second round tie in the African qualifying for the women’s Olympic football tournament, and the second leg is at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on 13 October.
What the conditions are
Gates open five hours before kick off so that security screening, entry and seating can be done in order. Spectators may enter only designated and approved areas of the ground.
Offenders may be refused entry, removed from the stadium or banned from attending matches. CAF will monitor compliance and may impose further restrictions if the conditions are not met. Ticketing, entry and parking arrangements will be announced separately.
Why the stadium was closed to spectators
The restrictions followed the September fixture between Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo at the National Sports Stadium, which Zimbabwe lost 2-1. A supporter died and there were crowd disturbances at that match, and CAF ordered the next home international to be played behind closed doors.
The cap of 10,000 is therefore a partial return rather than a full one.
There is more sport from Zimbabwe on our Zimbabwe sports news page.
