The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) revealed that they have asked the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to play the first leg of their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against Sudan in Benghazi behind closed doors.
EFF secretary general Bahiru Tilahun said they want the first leg, where Ethiopia is the designated host, to be held with limited number of fans due to security reasons: "We are in contact with CAF. For security reasons we want the game to be played behind closed doors but we will allow a few fans to attend the tie."
Tilahun also said they want to minimize the support that Sudan may get in Libya, where the team enjoyed strong backing in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying: "Due to the civil war in Sudan there are many Sudanese in Libya. So we want to limit the numbers so that our team can get less outside pressure. It is like creating a conducive environment for our national team."
Ethiopia is banned by CAF to use their stadium because no Ethiopian venue currently meets CAF standards. They have been playing their recent home games in different parts of Africa.
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