CAF Confederation Cup: CAF orders DC Virunga vs 1º de Agosto to be played behind closed doors over Ebola outbreak

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has ordered the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round tie between the Democratic Republic of Congo’s DC Virunga and Angola’s 1º de Agosto to be played behind closed doors because of the Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo.

The first-leg encounter is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, with no spectators permitted inside the stadium.

The decision means supporters will be unable to attend the match as the two sides begin their battle for a place in the group stage of Africa’s second-tier club competition.

CAF’s directive comes amid concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the Central African country, prompting the continental governing body to restrict access to the stadium for the fixture.

DC Virunga will have the opportunity to make the most of their home advantage on the pitch, although the absence of fans will deny the Congolese side the backing of its supporters.

Angolan outfit 1º de Agosto, meanwhile, will seek a positive result in Kinshasa to strengthen their chances of progressing to the next stage of the competition.

The return leg is scheduled for October 23 in Luanda, where 1º de Agosto will host DC Virunga in the decisive encounter.

The two-legged tie will determine which club advances in the competition, with both sides aiming to secure a place in the Confederation Cup group stage.

CAF’s decision highlights the potential impact of public health concerns on the organisation of continental football, with the governing body requiring the first leg to proceed without spectators.

Further details on any additional health and safety measures for the fixture were not immediately available.