Rwanda’s revamped Amahoro Stadium opens

Article posted by Coliseum, June 20^th, 2024

Image: Summa

The refurbished Amahoro Stadium in Rwanda will be officially inaugurated on July 4, according to the country’s Ministry of Sports.

Work has been going on since August 2022 to upgrade the venue into a 45,000 capacity stadium capable of hosting international football matches.

The New Times said Turkish company, Summa, and Rwandan construction firm Real Contractors, put the finishing touches to the stadium in time for the opening match between Rwandan rivals Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) FC and Rayon Sports last weekend.

The venue will also host celebrations for the country’s 30th Liberation Day.

The Amahoro Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in the Gasabo district of Kigali, Rwanda. With a capacity of 45,508 it is the largest stadium in Rwanda and hosts football matches, concerts, and public events.

The football clubs APR FC and Rayon Sports FC are the tenants. The venue is also sometimes used for rugby union.

During the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, it was temporarily a “UN Protected Site” hosting up to 12,000 mainly Tutsi refugees.

Following the renovation, world football governing body FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have now approved the stadium to host international football competitions.

A letter signed by CAF earlier this month confirmed that the ultra-modern facility has been cleared to host international games after a series of inspections by CAF officials who described it as ‘one of the best venues in the African continent.’

CAF said in a statement, “Following the review of the report by CAF, please note that the stadium is approved for use in all upcoming CAF/FIFA competitions since it meets all the set minimum CAF stadium requirements to host such matches.”

Amahoro Stadium’s certification came just three days before it hosted its first football match.

The official inauguration of the stadium will now take place on July 4, coinciding with the 30th Liberation Day celebration.

Rwanda could host first the international matches in September when the qualifiers of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 begins.

It was also confirmed to host the much-anticipated Veterans Club World Championship slated for September 1-10.

Minister of Sports Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju said, “We are looking forward to seeing two of Rwanda’s biggest teams playing in this stadium but the official inauguration will take place on July 4. We hope to see the stadium filled to full capacity as we look forward to celebrating liberation in style.”

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