Central African Republic: Stade Barthélémy Bogonda close to CAF approval?
Stade Barthélémy Bogonda could soon be approved by CAF, allowing the Central African Republic to play at home again
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Will the Bamaras finally be able to play in Bangui, at their own Stade Barthélémy Bogonda? The question haunts Central African football fans, who have seen their national team forced to play its "home" matches in Cameroon or Morocco for almost four years, apart from a special dispensation granted by CAF's Emergency Committee to host Mauritania on 30 March 2021 (a 0-1 defeat).
"It is very damaging for our clubs and our national teams, and more broadly for the development of football in the country," explained federation president Célestin Yanindji to Sport News Africa. "We are working towards changing that."
Four months of intensive work
Following the release of 400 million CFA francs by the state and the signing of several contracts, work began on 15 April for a "partial rehabilitation". On 25 June, a CAF official in charge of stadium inspections, the Central African Fada Kendi Averel, visited to check on the progress of the renovation, which had been running behind schedule.
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Read more on the subject: Central African Republic: renovation of Stade Barthélémy Boganda hit by lack of funds
Thanks to the combined efforts of the federation and Sports Minister Rodolphe Héritier Doneng, who stepped in to organise a fresh round of fundraising, work resumed in full over the last four months. That was enough to satisfy the CAF inspector for a pre-inspection.
Besides the seating, Stade Barthélémy Bogonda has been given a complete facelift, from the players' and referees' dressing rooms to the press room. Still to come is the green light from CAF for the potentially decisive 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Gabon. "We are waiting for their answer", president Yanindji says.