CAF Allows 18,000 Fans for DR Congo vs Sierra Leone After Initial Closed-Door Decision
Bernice Bangura The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has authorised 18,000 spectators to attend the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifier between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and Sierra Leone, reversing an earlier decision to stage the match behind closed doors.
The match is scheduled for Thursday, 12 November 2026, at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.
The Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) had announced on 6 November that the encounter would be played without spectators following new restrictions imposed by CAF on the stadium.
Under the initial arrangement, only 45 journalists and 15 technical personnel were expected to be admitted to cover the match.
However, reports from DR Congo on Monday, 9 November, confirmed that CAF had subsequently approved a restricted attendance of 18,000 spectators.
The restriction is linked to ongoing work to bring the Stade des Martyrs up to required standards, including improvements to seating, painting and parking facilities. The reduced capacity is intended to address safety and crowd-control concerns while the work continues.
The match forms part of the third round of Group E in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00 pm local time in Kinshasa and 4:00pm in Freetown.
DR Congo currently lead the group with six points from two matches, while Sierra Leone are bottom without a point after losing their opening two fixtures.
The two countries will meet again on 17 November in El Jadida, Morocco, for the return fixture, which will serve as Sierra Leone’s home match because the country does not currently have a stadium approved by CAF to host international matches.
Sierra Leone will be seeking its first points in the qualifying campaign, while DR Congo will aim to maintain its winning start.