CAF approval brings relief as Stade du 4 Août cleared to host Burkina Faso matches

Burkina Faso can now host international fixtures at home again after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially approved the Stade du 4 Aot in Ouagadougou.The approval, confirmed in a letter from CAFs Director of Tournaments and Events, Samson Adamu, was addressed to the Burkinab Football Federation (FBF), commending the government for its commitment to the renovation and rehabilitation of the venue.The stadium, closed since March 2021 due to non-compliance with international standards, has undergone significant upgrades.Following a positive inspection on June 23 and subsequent confirmation on July 1, the four-year wait for a return to the iconic ground has come to an end.Anticipation had been building since Sports Minister Roland Somdas April tour revealed the stadiums modernised facilities.FBF General Secretary Boureima Balima welcomed the news, stating that the stadium now meets both CAF and FIFA standards. If you can host a World Cup qualifier, you can host a CAF competition, he noted.The announcement has been met with widespread joy among Burkinab football fans. Many expressed relief at being able to support the national team on home soil again, with one local describing it as a huge relief and a moment of pride.Despite the positive development, some fans highlighted the need for long-term maintenance of the refurbished facility. Preserving this investment is key, one Ouagadougou resident said, so it continues to serve the nation for years.The Stallions are expected to return to their home turf in September when they face Egypt in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.Ahead of that, the FBF plans to organise a test matchpossibly during the August 4 national celebrationsto officially inaugurate the renovated stadium. Read Full Story