Cape Town – Rwanda’s largest and newly redeveloped stadium is set to host some of Africa’s biggest football clubs ahead of the CAF Champions League Group C fixtures, which feature Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Al Hilal (Sudan), MC Alger (Algeria), and St Eloi Lupopo (DRC).
The Amahoro Stadium, which underwent major renovations over the past three years, is now officially complete. It has been hailed as one of the most beautiful stadiums not only in Africa but in the world.
With an estimated cost of $165 million, the renovation project doubled the stadium’s seating capacity from 25,000 to 45,508.
The revamp also includes a new main football pitch, a FIFA-standard warm-up court, a Paralympic Gymnasium, and a Petit Stade designed to meet FIBA and FIVB standards.
AMAHORO STADIUM 🏟️ #RwandaWorks 🇷🇼
Before After pic.twitter.com/McQfPEJDpi
— BOMBE YA KAYONZA🚀💣 (@BoscoManirabona) October 21, 2025
The CAF Champions League group stage draw promises thrilling and unpredictable matchups this season, with each group featuring strong teams and no clear favourites.
In Group C, Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Hilal would traditionally be seen as the obvious contenders to advance. However, Rulani Mokwena’s in-form MC Alger — currently on a 19-match unbeaten run — has added a new level of competition.
Meanwhile, Al Hilal will face FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo, who shocked a star-studded Orlando Pirates side by knocking them out on penalties to secure their place in the group stage. The race for top spot in this group has never been more uncertain.
Rwanda is upgrading Amahoro Stadium from 25,000 seats to 45,000 seats.
It will include the main football pitch, new FIFA-standard warm-up court, Paralympics Gymnasium and Petit Stade which will meet FIBA and FIVB standards.
The renovation is expected to be completed next year. pic.twitter.com/CYioZ22z3W
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) October 4, 2023
However, according to GOAL, Orlando Pirates have lodged a formal protest with CAF against FC Saint-Eloi Lupopo — a complaint that has now been officially acknowledged by the Confederation of African Football.
The Buccaneers claim that Lupopo’s head coach, Guy Bukasa, was not eligible to participate in the match, and that two players, Henoc Molia and Wanet Kashala, were fielded in violation of CAF regulations.
CAF’s Head of Media, Luxolo September, confirmed that the matter has been referred to the organisation’s judicial structures and will undergo review in accordance with the continental body’s disciplinary procedures.
“Well, I mean, the first thing I can do, first of all, is to confirm that, of course, we are aware of these complaints and protests and whatever have been received by CAF, and they are being processed through the competent structures, the judicial structures at CAF,” September said, as per Soccer Laduma.
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Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
