CAF approves Swehly stadium for Champions League clash against KVZ

CAF has approved Swehly’s stadium in Libya to host the club’s CAF Champions League preliminary-round first-leg meeting with Zanzibar champions KVZ.

The match is scheduled to take place on 4 September in Libya, with Swehly set to enjoy home advantage in the opening leg of the tie.

The Confederation of African Football’s approval clears the way for the Libyan side to stage the fixture at its preferred home venue after the stadium met the requirements set by the continental governing body.

Swehly will be hoping to make full use of home advantage as they begin their quest to progress through the preliminary rounds and secure a place in the next stage of Africa’s premier club competition.

KVZ, meanwhile, will travel to Libya looking for a positive result that would give them an advantage ahead of the return leg.

The two-legged tie will be decided on aggregate, with both teams aware that the opening match could prove crucial in determining which side advances.

For Swehly, playing the first leg at home provides an opportunity to build an early advantage before travelling to Zanzibar for the second meeting.

The Libyan club will now turn its attention to preparations for the September encounter, while KVZ will be looking to ensure they are ready for what is expected to be a competitive Champions League contest.

The CAF Champions League preliminary round forms the first step towards reaching the group stage of the competition, with clubs required to negotiate the early rounds before entering the main phase.

Swehly’s meeting with KVZ on 4 September will therefore mark an important start to their continental campaign.