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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter

CAF has turned down Zifa’s request to have fans at the National Sports Stadium for next month’s blockbuster World Cup qualifier between Zimbabwe and Ghana.

The two teams first meet at the Cape Coast Stadium on October 9 before clashing in Harare three days later.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Zifa said Caf indicated that its decision was based on the review of Zimbabwe’s compliance to expected stadium requirements, safety and security as well as medical issues at the NSS.

“National Sports Stadium is currently hosting senior men’s international games on a temporary approval, having been deemed unfit in March 2020.

“Reasons for the ban include the absence of bucket seats and electronic access controls, among other issues.

“While Fifa Covid-19 match protocols clearly state that all matches during the pandemic must be played behind closed doors, special exemptions to allow spectators into the stadium have been granted to nations with facilities that satisfy required standards,” Zifa said.

-@innocentskizoe