In a significant boost for Ethiopian football, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially granted Bahir Dar Stadium a temporary Category 3 approval. According to a statement released by the Ethiopian Football Federation, the approval follows a recent on-site inspection and evaluation by CAF officials, clearing the venue to host an upcoming home international match this September.
This temporary license enables the Ethiopian National Team to play their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches on home soil in front of their local supporters. While acknowledging the notable structural improvements made to the stadium, CAF’s official letter highlighted that certain remaining tasks still require attention before full, permanent certification can be awarded.
The approval cements the end of a long period of exile for Ethiopian football. Ever since CAF banned local venues for failing to meet international standards following a World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in September 2021, Ethiopia was forced to host its home fixtures abroad for nearly five years across South Africa, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Morocco, Libya, and Mozambique. The team briefly returned to home turf in March 2026 after Dire Dawa Stadium received a temporary license to host their AFCON preliminary qualifier against São Tomé and Príncipe.
Following CAF’s decision, the EFF confirmed the scheduling for Ethiopia’s high-profile Group J fixture. Drawn alongside Senegal, Sudan, and Mozambique, Ethiopia will face continental giants Senegal at Bahir Dar Stadium on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
Although the national team has lacked consistent results in recent years, their home advantage proved decisive in securing their last two AFCON tournament appearances in 2013 and 2022. With the Walias finally returning to their home fortress, fans remain hopeful that this home advantage will pave the way back to the Africa Cup of Nations after a five-year absence.
