Zimbabwe will play in front of home supporters for the first time in five years when they face the Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday.
The fixture is a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the top of the standings, but it will also mark a significant return for Zimbabwean football.
The Warriors have been unable to host international matches in Harare since major renovation work began at the 60,000-capacity National Sports Stadium on the outskirts of the capital. As a result, Zimbabwe have been forced to stage their home fixtures abroad, with South Africa frequently used as their alternative venue.
Monday’s match will therefore be the national team’s first home game in five years.
The return will allow Zimbabwe to welcome supporters back to the stadium, after a prolonged period in which home advantage existed largely in name only. Matches designated as home fixtures were instead played outside the country because the National Sports Stadium was unavailable.
Zimbabwe’s situation is not unique in the qualifying campaign. Thirteen of the 48 teams competing for places at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations are currently without a permanent home venue.
The meeting with the Democratic Republic of Congo consequently combines an important qualification fixture with Zimbabwe’s long-awaited return to Harare.