By Sukoluhle Ndlovu
Zimbabwe will play their next home international match behind closed doors after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) sanctioned the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) following the chaotic Democratic Republic of Congo 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the National Sports Stadium.
The CAF Disciplinary Committee also fined ZIFA over incidents during the September 28 match, which saw a fan die and supporters later storm the pitch.
The death occurred at Gate Two as supporters attempted to enter the stadium ahead of the match. Police said the incident involved a public order vehicle and a pedestrian, with investigations launched into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The match was later disrupted by a pitch invasion after the final whistle, with Zimbabwean supporters spilling onto the field.
The incidents overshadowed the Warriors’ return to the National Sports Stadium, which had recently undergone renovations and had been cleared to host international matches after Zimbabwe spent years playing home games away from Harare.
On the field, Zimbabwe lost 2-1 to DR Congo, with Yoane Wissa and Samuel Moutoussamy scoring for the visitors before Marshall Munetsi pulled one back for the Warriors in added time.
The latest CAF sanction means Zimbabwe will not have supporters in the stands for their next home international, dealing another blow to the much anticipated return of the Warriors to the refurbished stadium.
