The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam to host international club matches involving Simba SC and Young Africans (Yanga) during the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stage, following the completion of the required improvements to meet the competition's standards.
The approval comes as welcome news for the two Tanzanian football giants, who had been facing challenges in securing a venue for their home matches after Benjamin Mkapa Stadium was closed for renovation. Initially, Simba and Yanga had turned their attention to New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar as an alternative venue for their continental fixtures.
However, Uhuru Stadium had several shortcomings that needed to be addressed before it could meet CAF requirements. The completion of the improvements and subsequent approval by Africa's football governing body now provides a solution to the challenge facing the two clubs.
Meanwhile, New Amaan Complex is also expected to close for further improvements after the Taifa Stars' match against Nigeria, scheduled for November 17. This development further highlights the importance of preparing the country's sports infrastructure ahead of AFCON 2027.
The decision is expected to save Simba and Yanga the inconvenience of travelling to Zanzibar for their international home fixtures, while giving their supporters an opportunity to cheer on their teams in person in Dar es Salaam.
