Dire Dawa Stadium gains CAF approval amid Addis Ababa stadiums ban

The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) confirmed that it has received the green light from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host the crucial 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations final-round qualifier between Ethiopia and Tanzania in Dire Dawa on October 28.

A few days ago, CAF barred the Abebe Bikila Memorial Stadium from staging continental games, putting Lucy’s chance to play on home soil in doubt.

EFF revealed that CAF has granted the Dire Dawa Stadium approval to host Category 2 matches. According to CAF guidelines, Category 2 games in Africa include women’s competitions, inter-club preliminary rounds, and youth football competitions. The news came at a very decisive time, as the Ethiopian women’s national team hopes to qualify for WAFCON after a 14-year hiatus. The Twiga Stars are in pole position after recording a well-deserved 2–0 lead in the first leg.

EFF failed to disclose why Ethiopian flagbearers, Ethiopian Insurance, were unable to play their CAF Champions League second-round tie against Egyptian side Pyramids at home. The Ethiopian champions are now set to face the current Champions League holders in Cairo.

With the Dire Dawa Stadium approved by CAF, the eastern Ethiopian city will now see international games being played there. With no CAF-accredited stadium in the capital, Addis Ababa is currently deprived of hosting games.