CAF caps Scottland v Nsingizini at 15,000 for Champions League

CAF has imposed a 15,000-fan limit for Scottland’s CAF Champions League preliminary-round match against Nsingizini Hotspurs. Only 15,000 supporters will be admitted to the National Sports Stadium for Sunday’s meeting.

The decision follows the partial approval of the refurbished Harare venue. CAF is using the fixture to assess newly installed systems at the stadium, which was originally built in 1987. The ground is set to host a continental match for the first time since November 2021.

Several sections will remain closed as part of the capacity restriction. Bays 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 will not be available to spectators, while tickets for the rest of the ground are priced at $5.

The attendance limit comes as interest grows around Scottland’s first African campaign. The club won the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title in its debut season, becoming the first side since Black Rhinos in 1984 to claim the championship in its first top-flight campaign. That ended a 41-year wait for a new club to achieve the feat.

Scottland enter the match after a 0-0 league draw with FC Platinum at Rufaro on Wednesday. The champions created a number of opportunities but were denied by FC Platinum goalkeeper Manifred Ekoi, leaving them without a goal in their final preparation match before the continental tie.

Coach Norman Mapeza has framed the fixture as a national assignment, calling for support from Zimbabweans as Scottland represent the country in Africa. The restricted capacity means the return of the National Sports Stadium to continental football will take place with fewer spectators than the venue can hold.