Why DR Congo side will host Marumo Gallants in Zambia for CAF Confed Cup clash
The only CAF-certified venue in Lubumbashi belongs to Lupopo's sworn foes TP Mazembe.
Marumo Gallants’ second 2022/2023 CAF Confederation Cup Group A match against FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo on Sunday, February 19, will be played in Zambia and not in DR Congo.
This is because Lupopo’s Lubumbashi home ground Stade Frédéric Kibassa Maliba does not meet CAF specifications to host international competitive games.
The only CAF-certified venue in Lubumbashi belongs to Lupopo’s sworn foes TP Mazembe.
Furthermore, the alternative venue in faraway Kinshasa at Stade des Martyrs also failed the CAF test.
Zambia’s Sports Minister Elvis Nkandu confirmed that Lupopo had written to government through the Football Association of Zambia [FAZ] over staging their games in Zambia.
WHY LUPOPO ARE TAKING CAF GALLANTS GAME TO ZAMBIA
“They are our neighbours, and we also might need help from them one day,” said Nkandu.
“As long as all the necessary documents are put in place, we shall be able to assist them.
“For me, it’s a motivation on our part and we are very humbled that they picked us. Our people will also be able to watch the games.”
Levy Stadium in Ndola, where the match will be played, and National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, are both CAF-certified venues.
The Ndola Stadium is Chipolopolo Zambia’s second home ground and they will host Lesotho there on March 20 on match-day-three of their 2023 AFCON Group H qualifier.
It will also be the first time a foreign team will host a competitive CAF game in Zambia since Cairo introduced its strict certification process for stadiums across the continent.
“That clearly tells us that we are in a very good situation as a country in terms of hosting international games and that is a motivation,” added Nkandu.
Meanwhile, Marumo lead Group A with 3 points following Sunday’s 4-1 home win over Al Akhadr of Sunday in Johannesburg.
Lupopo is bottom of Group A after losing 3-0 to Algerian club USM Alger on the same date away in Algiers.
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