Mkapa Stadium to Host AFL 2023 Opening Games

DAR ES SALAAM: Minister for Culture, Arts, and Sports, Damas Ndumbaro, announced Tuesday that the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam has been selected to host the opening games of the 2023 African Football League (AFL).

Addressing reporters, Minister Ndumbaro revealed that in addition to the highly anticipated Simba versus Al Ahly match scheduled for Friday, the venue will also be the stage for the TP Mazembe versus Esperance clash on Sunday.

“We are truly honored to have the privilege of hosting these two prestigious opening matches of the competition, and this is excellent news for all of us,” he said, calling on nationals to flock to the stadium on Sunday in large numbers to witness the second game.

He was of the opinion that the large audience will also boost Tanzania’s selection in hosting the inaugural match for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) games.

Meanwhile, the minister said renovation works at the stadium have reached 99 percent ahead of Friday’s game.

The renovation involved installing new LED Stadium Perimeter Displays to electronically display adverts.