Moffat Mungazi
Sports Reporter
WITH fans expected to turn up in their numbers when the Warriors host Equatorial Guinea in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group E qualifier later this month, Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) are primed for a safe, smooth and secure fan experience that is free of crowd trouble.
Zimbabwe’s senior men national football team resume their quest for 2027 AFCON finals qualification with a double-header fixture against National Thunder between November 12 and November 16 respectively.
The first game of the back-to-back MatchDay Three and Four will be played away next Thursday, with the return leg set for National Sports Stadium the following Monday.
After two rounds of matches, the Warriors and National Thunder are joint second and third respectively in Group E, separated only by goal difference.
They both have three points from two matches.
Democratic Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone, who square off in the other double-header, top and anchor the group respectively.
Zimbabwe are seeking to return to winning ways and keep within shouting distance after the initial momentum built from their impressive 3-2 come-from-behind victory away to Sierra Leone was derailed by a disappointing 1-2 home defeat to DRC.
As the build-up to the hugely anticipated back-to-back fixture continues, the Warriors have received a major and timely boost after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) approved ZIFA’s appeal to revise the home fan attendance cap from the previous 10 000 to 25 000.
Zimbabwe was sanctioned by CAF following crowd trouble outside National Sports Stadium, while some supporters also invaded the pitch in the aftermath of the Warriors’ game against DRC in late September during the same qualifiers.
The lifeline comes in the wake of the association’s demonstration to satisfy safety and effective crowd-control protocols following the recent successful hosting of the Mighty Warriors’ 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifier against Malawi, while Zimbabwean champions, Scottland, also entertained Petro Luanda of Angola in a CAF Champions League encounter without any incident.
With fans expected to throng the giant facility as they did against DRC when the country returned to hosting international matches at the venue, ZIFA have since last week gone into overdrive with a “fan education” exercise to prevent recurrent crowd trouble.
Tickets for the home encounter against Equatorial Guinea on November 16 are now on sale, both physically and online.
The cheapest ticket is going for US$20 for rest of the ground, while those for the VIP section are pegged at US$100.
“Physical ticket selling points are available at designated places across the country in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru and Masvingo. Fans can grab their tickets for the Equatorial Guinea game through authorised outlets,” said ZIFA.
The association said they are geared to ensure safer and smoother stadium entry by having fans follow simple steps.
“Our fans need to arrive at the National Sports Stadium early for security checks and ticket scanning before using the designated gate shown on the tickets. They can also queue patiently for their turn to enter, while also obeying stewards’ instruction. All entry points must be kept clear,” said ZIFA.
The association added that their ticketing system is designed for fans’ seamless entry into the stadium for an enjoyable experience.
“By using designated entrances indicated on the tickets, fans can easily find their sitting bay and row by following stadium signs when inside.
“Seat numbers are also shown on the tickets and this prevents confusion and disputes,” said ZIFA, adding: “Stewards will also be readily available to assist those that may face challenges. We are urging the fans to turn up early in their numbers.”
The Warriors need the fans as the 12th man and their voice in the stands can spur them, added the association.
Said ZIFA: “As fans, they must wear their colours, throw their full weight behind the team and make home advantage count.”
ZIFA rallies fans for Warriors double-header
