CAF has approved Dar es Salaam’s Uhuru Stadium for group-stage matches in the interclub competitions. Young Africans, Simba, Azam FC and Singida Black Stars will be able to host there, after an initial refusal and improvement works.
Relief for the four Tanzanian clubs involved in the interclub competitions. According to Tanzania Insight, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially approved Dar es Salaam’s Uhuru Stadium to host group-stage matches. A decision that ends an uncertainty born from an initial refusal by the continental body.
The information, revealed by the Tanzanian media outlet, is based on statements from the media and communications director of the Tanzanian Football Federation (TFF), Clifford Ndimbo. He said that CAF secretary general Samson Adamu had communicated the approval after a recent inspection of the stadium.
An initial refusal and a plan B in Zanzibar
The approval of Uhuru Stadium was not secured from the outset. According to Tanzania Insight, CAF had first rejected the stadium, forcing the TFF to consider a fallback: the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar.
The president of the Tanzanian Football Federation, Wallace Karia, held discussions with the clubs and stadium officials to carry out the necessary improvements. Those works ultimately led the continental body to validate the Dar es Salaam venue for the group stage.
Yanga and Simba in the Champions League
On the sporting side, the approval primarily concerns Dar es Salaam’s two flagship clubs. Young Africans (Yanga) will play in Group B of the Champions League, alongside Zamalek, MC Alger and Club Africain.
Simba SC have been placed in Group C, with RS Berkane, Orlando Pirates and Colombe Sportive. Both sides will therefore be able to host in their Dar es Salaam stadium rather than at a neutral venue. A sporting and commercial advantage that should rest on the support of the local crowd, according to Tanzania Insight.
Azam and Singida in the Confederation Cup
The approval also benefits the two other Tanzanian representatives in the Confederation Cup. Azam FC and Singida Black Stars will also be able to host at Uhuru Stadium, thus avoiding relocation.
For the TFF, this decision validates the work undertaken with the clubs and stadium officials.
The group-stage matches of the 2026/2027 Champions League and Confederation Cup are still to come.