15 de Agosto have taken a firm stance on allowing fans into the stadium for their CAF Champions League qualifying match against Simba SC, with both teams battling for a place in the group stage.
The development comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) maintained its position that the first-leg encounter must be played at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on October 20 at 4:00 p.m.
Reports indicate that 15 de Agosto, who will be the hosts for the match, want the encounter to be played behind closed doors, a move that could deny football fans the opportunity to watch the important contest live.
However, although 15 de Agosto have authority over match preparations as the home team, the issue of spectators is also expected to be governed by CAF’s regulations and procedures, including provisions for supporters of the visiting team.
For Simba SC, the match is crucial in their quest to secure a place in the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition. The Msimbazi Reds will be hoping to secure a positive result in the first leg before facing their opponents again in the return fixture.
The second leg is scheduled for October 25, when Simba will be the hosts. Uhuru Stadium is expected to come alive with Simba supporters turning out to cheer on their team in the decisive return encounter.