Zimbabwe may be forced to host their next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier behind closed doors after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) sanctioned the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) following incidents that marred the Warriors’ last home match against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
CAF has ordered Zimbabwe to play their next home international without supporters, while ZIFA has also been fined following incidents during the Warriors’ 2–1 defeat to the DRC at the National Sports Stadium on September 28.
The sanction follows the death of a supporter at the stadium and a pitch invasion after the final whistle during the 2027 AFCON qualifier.
The decision comes as a setback for Zimbabwe, who had only recently returned to hosting international matches at the National Sports Stadium after a five-year absence from home fixtures.
The stadium had undergone extensive renovations before being cleared to host international football again, making the latest incidents particularly concerning for the country’s football authorities.
Under CAF’s sanction, fans will be prohibited from attending Zimbabwe’s next home international match.
The Warriors are expected to host Equatorial Guinea in their next home assignment in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
