Ethiopia to Host First Home Matches in Five Years

For the first time in five years, Ethiopia will play international fixtures at home after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) approved the use of the Dire Dawa stadium.

This approval marks a significant moment for Ethiopian football, which has been forced to play its home matches abroad since 2021. This was due to the failure of the country’s three primary stadiums in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, and Dire Dawa to meet international standards.

The Dire Dawa stadium, the second-largest in Ethiopia, will host the national team’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe on March 31. This fixture will be the second leg of the preliminary round. CAF’s inspection team gave the stadium the green light after its recent refurbishment, paving the way for Ethiopia to welcome international football back home.

“It’s good news for us. From now, Dire Dawa international stadium will be able to host matches for the national team,” said the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) on its website.

Ethiopia to Host First Home Internationals in Five Years. Credi: Africa Sports

This development follows an extensive collaboration between the Dire Dawa city administration and the EFF to upgrade the stadium, making it suitable for both national and international competitions.

In preparation for the qualifiers, the EFF has reappointed former international player Yohannes Sahle to lead the national team. The first leg of the qualifier will take place in São Tomé on March 25. The two-leg series will determine which team advances to the group stage of the competition, with the finals scheduled for 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Ethiopia’s return to home fixtures is a welcome boost after the national team struggled in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, finishing fifth in Group A with only nine points from 10 matches. This new chapter represents not just a footballing milestone but also an opportunity for Ethiopia to re-establish its presence in continental competitions.

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Tope Oke

Temitope is a storyteller driven by a passion for the intricate world of geopolitics, the raw beauty of wildlife, and the dynamic spirit of sports. As both a writer and editor, he excels at crafting insightful and impactful narratives that not only inform but also inspire and advocate for positive change. Through his work, he aims to shed light on complex issues, celebrate diverse perspectives, and encourage readers to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way.