CAN 2025 Qualifiers: Gambia, Comoros to meet on neutra ground

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the CAN 2025 qualifying match between Gambia and Comoros, set for Matchday 5, will be played on neutral ground.

This decision, which aligns with CAF’s commitment to fairness, comes after the Bakau stadium in Gambia failed to meet the required standards in a recent inspection.

The match location change aims to create a level playing field for both teams.

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CAF’s decision was influenced by the findings of a Senegalese inspector, who assessed the Bakau stadium’s suitability.

The inspection, held in late October, showed that the stadium did not meet the CAF’s criteria, a result that sparked discussions across African media about the fairness of holding the match in Banjul.

Journalist Richard Naha, in a piece for Afrikafoot.fr, highlighted a “gentlemen’s agreement” between CAF and member nations, ensuring teams without certified stadiums by Matchday 4 would play the remaining qualifiers on neutral ground.

This standard also applies to other teams, like Madagascar, to maintain equal footing for all involved.

CAF’s timeline posed some challenges, as they informed the FFC on October 24 and carried out the inspection a week later.

However, CAF’s Events Commission swiftly ensured that the decision complied with their regulations, reflecting their commitment to the integrity of African football.