CAFCL: Ethiopian Insurance face stadium setback ahead of Pyramids FC clash

Ethiopian Insurance’s 2025/26 CAF Champions League second round home game against holders Pyramids FC has suffered a huge blow after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) indicated it may bar the use of the Abebe Bikila Memorial Stadium.

Insurance is expected to ask CAF for an alternative stadium to host the tie. The first leg will not take place this weekend.

The Ethiopian flagbearers used the Abebe Bikila Stadium as their home venue during their first preliminary round win over Zanzibar champions Mlandege FC. Sources close to the matter revealed to Pan-Africa Football that CAF is set to send a team to Addis Ababa to inspect the overall condition of the venu.

Concerns over the playing surface and drainage system were raised after Ethiopia played to a 1–1 draw against Kenya in U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying. The waterlogged pitch made play difficult during the tie.

Insurance is expected to inquire with CAF about the availability of the Dire Dawa Stadium. The stadium underwent major refurbishment two years ago and is one of the venues that hosts Ethiopian Premier League games. However, the stadium has yet to receive the green light from CAF to host the Champions League tie against Pyramids.

The recent development regarding the Abebe Bikila Stadium raises questions about whether the Ethiopian women’s national side will be able to host Tanzania in the final round of qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.