International football will return to Ethiopia after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) approved Dire Dawa Stadium to host official matches.

The decision follows a successful inspection of the venue, paving the way for the Ethiopian national team to stage competitive fixtures on home soil once again.

Ethiopia had been unable to play international matches in the country and were forced to host home games away from their supporters.

CAF’s clearance means Dire Dawa Stadium will stage the second leg of Ethiopia’s preliminary qualifier for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations against São Tomé and Príncipe. The match is scheduled for 31 March 2026.

The approval marks the end of a period of exile for the national side, who have been deprived of the advantage of home support in recent years.

Playing in front of local fans is expected to provide a significant boost as Ethiopia aim to progress to the group stage of the continental competition.

Supporters will now have the opportunity to rally behind their team in a competitive fixture for the first time in some time.

The encounter against São Tomé and Príncipe will determine whether Ethiopia can advance in the qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The return of international football to Dire Dawa is seen as a major step forward for the country’s football infrastructure and its ambitions on the continental stage.

With CAF’s approval secured, attention now turns to preparations for the decisive qualifier at the end of March 2026, when Ethiopia will attempt to make home advantage count in their bid for progress.