Kenya, Zimbabwe to play AFCON 2025 qualifiers in Uganda

The Football Federations of Kenya and Zimbabwe will play their home matches of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

The matches will kick off in September, according to organisers.

Edgar Watson Suubi, CEO of the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA), confirmed that both countries do not have stadia in their countries.

“Kenya and Zimbabwe have requested to use the newly renovated Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

“And we have given them the go-ahead, while the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also confirmed the use of the stadium,” Suubi explained.

Authorities recently renovated Uganda’s 42,500-capacity stadium, and the African football body has cleared the facility to host international matches.

“We shall have Kenya host Zimbabwe on Sept. 6 while Zimbabwe will host Cameroon at the same stadium on Sept. 10,” he said.

Uganda will start their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign in Group K away to South Africa on Sept. 6 in Pretoria. It will host Congo-Brazzaville at Mandela National Stadium on Sept. 9.

“We are happy that finally, Mandela National Stadium is cleared to host international matches.

“And, we now have the opportunity to host other teams here. These are the benefits of having a certified stadium,” Suubi added.

Uganda featured last in the 2019 AFCON. The Ugandan team will play in Group K of the 2025 qualifiers alongside South Africa, Congo Brazzaville, and South Sudan. (Xinhua)