In a reverse decision, CAF has allowed Rwanda to host their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier return match against Benin Cheetahs, but behind closed doors.The match day four fixture will be played at the newly renovated Pelé Stadium in the outskirts of Kigali on Tuesday, and not at Huye Stadium, Huye as was earlier planned.”CAF requires that exceptionally, the match Rwanda vs Benin be played at the Pele Stadium Kigali (Rwanda), Tuesday, March 28, 2023, on the strict condition that no fan attends, being specified that the said stadium remains suspended until further notice,” a statement from the continental football body reads.Umukino uzahuza Amavubi na les Guépards uzaba ku wa gatatu tariki ya 29/03/2023 kuri stade yitiriwe Pelé ya Kigali.Andi makuru tuzajya tugenda tuyabagezaho.Twese inyuma y’#Amavubi— Rwanda FA (@FERWAFA) March 24, 2023 CAF had earlier directed that Rwanda play both legs of the encounter in Cotonou, Benin as Huye lacked a standard accommodation facility.”Please note that CAF has received a formal complaint from the Benin Football Federation in relation to the lack of available minimum 4-star international rating hotels facilities to accommodate the teams and officials in the aforementioned venue.“Despite our prior communication on the matter, the reported situation has not improved and the existing hotel facilities do not comply with the required standards,” the statement read.##NAJAVA_MECA_7125716##In a change of heart after Rwanda FA appealed, CAF allowed Rwanda to play at Pelé Stadium but without fans.Rwanda is amongst 25 African countries including Kenya and Uganda banned from staging senior international level 1 games due to lack of standard stadiums.Guinea-Bissau stun star studded Nigeria to assume control of Group AUganda was forced to play Tanzania home away from home at Suez Canal Stadium, Egypt on Friday, losing 0-1.Benin managed to force a late equalizer against Rwanda as the first leg fixture ended in a 1-1 draw on Thursday.A win for Rwanda on Tuesday will see them revive their chances of qualifying for the 2023 Ivory Coast AFCON in a Group that also have African champions Senegal and Mozambique.
