The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has authorized 18,000 spectators to attend the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) vs Sierra Leone match at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa. The match, scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2026, is part of the 3rd day of qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2027). Initially, the match was to be played behind closed doors due to new CAF restrictions.
The Fédération congolaise de football association (FECOFA) had announced on November 6 that the match would be played without spectators, with only 45 journalists and 15 technicians allowed in the stadium. However, after a change in circumstances, CAF accepted a quota of 18,000 supporters. This decision gives the DRC team, known as the Léopards, the valuable support of their fans in a stadium that can accommodate around 80,000 people.
The match is a crucial one for the Léopards, who will be seeking to qualify for CAN 2027. Having fans in the stands, even if it's a limited number, represents a significant psychological advantage for the team. The support of the Kinshasa crowd is traditionally one of the strengths of the Léopards at home, particularly in high-intensity matches.
Although the quota of 18,000 places is well below the actual capacity of the Stade des Martyrs, it represents a significant concession from CAF, which had initially programmed the match without any spectators. This decision allows Congolese fans to be with their team and create a great football atmosphere, easing concerns that had arisen a few days before the match.
Despite the limited number of tickets, the atmosphere promises to be electric, with the 18,000 authorized supporters likely to turn the Stade des Martyrs into a real fortress for the Léopards. The DRC will be able to count on its fans, their energy, and their history to approach this clash with ambition, in front of part of the Congolese football family gathered in Kinshasa.
The match is scheduled to start at 5 pm local time on Thursday, November 12, 2026. The Léopards will be seeking to make the most of the support of their fans to achieve a positive result against Sierra Leone. The team will need to be focused and determined to secure a win and take a step closer to qualifying for CAN 2027.
The authorization of 18,000 spectators is a welcome development for the Léopards and their fans, who had been worried about the prospect of watching their team play behind closed doors. The match promises to be an exciting one, with the energy of the crowd likely to play a significant role in driving the team forward.
Key points
- CAF authorizes 18,000 spectators for DRC vs Sierra Leone match at Stade des Martyrs
- Match is part of 3rd day of qualifiers for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations
- Léopards to play Sierra Leone on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 5 pm local time
