Bahir Dar Stadium granted temporary CAF approval to host Ethiopia’s 2027 AFCON qualifier

Bahir Dar Stadium has been granted temporary CAF Category 3 approval, clearing the venue to host Ethiopia’s upcoming home qualifier for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The approval follows a series of improvements carried out at the stadium, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) acknowledging the progress made while also identifying areas that still require attention.

The temporary approval is a significant development for Ethiopian football, as the national team is set to play an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on home soil for the first time in five years.

Bahir Dar Stadium has been an important venue for Ethiopian football, but concerns over its facilities have previously affected the country’s ability to stage international matches at home.

CAF’s decision means Ethiopia can now prepare to welcome its opponents in a competitive international fixture, providing the national team with the advantage of playing in front of home supporters.

However, the Category 3 approval is temporary, meaning further work will be required to ensure the stadium fully meets CAF’s standards.

The remaining issues are expected to be addressed as Ethiopian football authorities continue efforts to improve the country’s football infrastructure and secure the venue’s long-term eligibility for international matches.

The return of an AFCON qualifier to Bahir Dar is nevertheless a major boost for Ethiopian football and supporters, who have not watched their national team play a home qualifier for five years.

Ethiopia will now look to make the most of the opportunity when their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign gets underway, with the national side hoping home advantage can help them secure a place at the tournament.