Mozambique’s Estadio do Zimpeto has once again been deemed unfit for international matches, forcing the Mambas to host Uganda Cranes in Egypt for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on March 20.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) banned the Maputo-based stadium due to poor pitch conditions, following inspections on February 17 and 28 that highlighted a deteriorating playing surface and other structural deficiencies.
With no immediate renovations in place, CAF set a March 7 deadline for Mozambique to secure an alternative venue, ultimately selecting Cairo International Stadium as the new host.
This marks the second ban on Zimpeto Stadium in three months and follows a similar restriction in 2023, which previously forced Mozambique to play in South Africa. Despite calls for government intervention, the stadium remains below CAF standards.
