Without supporters in the stands, the newly refurbished Kigali Pelé Stadium will host the second leg of the 2023 AFCON Group L qualifiers between Rwanda and Benin on Tuesday, March 28, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed. Amavubi, who held Benin to a 1-1 draw in Cotonou, were expected to host their fourth return against the same country at Huye Stadium on March 27 but CAF revoked the stadium’s rights to host the game after Benin complained that Huye town does not have standard hotels to accommodate their team and match officials. CAF, as a result, ordered Rwanda to play their return leg against the West African country in Cotonou, a decision which didn’t go well with Rwanda FA officials who immediately filed an appeal to challenge CAF’s decision. Ferwafa Secretary General, Henry Muhire, confirmed to Times Sport that the appeal successfully paid dividends after CAF reconsidered their initial decision and informed Rwanda that the match will be played at Kigali Pele Stadium. ALSO READ: AFCON Qualifiers: Ten-man Rwanda hold Benin in Cotonou We appealed to CAF and now things have changed. The game will be played in Kigali on Tuesday, March 28, Muhire told Times Sport. However, a letter addressed to FERWAFA, which Times Sport has seen, stated that the match will be played behind closed doors as the stadium still falls short of criteria required to host international matches with the attendance of fans. ALSO READ: Rwanda awaits CAF decision on venue for Benin return leg clash The Kigali Pele Stadium does not meet today's requirement for zones reserved for spectators in CAF matches in accordance with CAF rules. CAF agrees that the game should be played at the said stadium strictly with no fans, part of the letter reads. Amavubi are third in Group L with two points from three games played away from home.
