2027 AFCON qualifiers: Zambia move Burundi clash to National Heroes Stadium after CAF approval

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has moved Chipolopolo’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi to National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) granted the venue temporary approval to host international matches.

The fixture, scheduled for November 13, was initially set to take place at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola but will now be played in the Zambian capital following CAF’s latest assessment of National Heroes Stadium.

The decision also affects Zambia’s Under-23 team, whose 2028 Olympic Games qualifier against Burkina Faso has been relocated to the same venue.

CAF grants National Heroes Stadium temporary approval

FAZ General Secretary Charles Chakatazya confirmed the change to FAZ Media following a CAF communication dated October 28, 2026.

The approval followed a technical assessment mission conducted at National Heroes Stadium between October 19 and 22, during which CAF evaluated the facility’s readiness to host international fixtures.

Chakatazya welcomed the decision, describing it as an important step towards ensuring the stadium could accommodate the national teams’ upcoming matches.

“We are pleased that CAF has granted National Heroes Stadium Temporary Category 3 approval for November. The assessment confirms that the stadium meets the key requirements for hosting CAF/FIFA matches,” Chakatazya said.

The temporary Category 3 approval allows the venue to host the November fixtures, although further work remains necessary to address concerns raised by the continental governing body.

The development provides a boost for Zambia as the senior national team prepares for its crucial AFCON qualifying encounter against Burundi.

Under-23 Olympic qualifier also moved

The venue change extends beyond the senior national team, with Zambia’s Under-23 side also scheduled to play at National Heroes Stadium during the November international window.

The Olympic qualifier against Burkina Faso, set for November 15, has been moved to the Lusaka venue following CAF’s approval.

The decision means both the senior and junior Chipolopolo teams will have the opportunity to play their respective fixtures at the stadium during the same month.

Chakatazya expressed gratitude to the Zambian government for the renovation and improvement works undertaken at the facility, which contributed to securing CAF’s approval.

“We are grateful to the Government for the works undertaken at the stadium, which CAF has acknowledged. We also thank our fans for their patience as we worked towards securing this approval,” he said.

However, the FAZ general secretary acknowledged that the stadium still has outstanding issues that must be resolved before CAF conducts another assessment.

Although the temporary approval clears the way for the November matches, the federation will need to address those concerns to improve the venue’s prospects of securing further approval.

FAZ calls for strong fan support

Chakatazya has urged supporters to turn out in large numbers for both fixtures and create an atmosphere that will inspire the national teams.

The federation will be hoping for strong attendance as Chipolopolo seek a positive result against Burundi in their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The relocation to Lusaka also gives supporters in the capital an opportunity to watch the senior team compete in the qualifying campaign, while the Under-23 side will face Burkina Faso two days later.

With National Heroes Stadium now approved to host the November matches, attention will turn to preparations for the two encounters and the outstanding improvements required to satisfy CAF’s assessment criteria.

Zambia’s meeting with Burundi on November 13 will be a key fixture in their AFCON qualifying campaign, with the team looking to make the most of home advantage at their newly approved venue.