Silver Strikers are losing sleep ahead of their Caf Champions League first round preliminary match against ASSM Elgeco Plus as the Malagasy champions are yet to officially confirm their home ground.
This has put Silver in an awkward situation, with less than three weeks to go before the first leg match.
Elgeco are expected to host Silver between September 19 and 21.
But despite Caf rules and regulations stating that all participating teams in the first preliminary round should be confirming names of venues by August 19, 2025, the club has failed to do so.
- Advertisement -
“Kindly note that the teams participating in the first preliminary round are kindly requested to send Caf administration the date of kick-off-time and the homologated stadium hosting their home matches by the 19th of August 2025,” the statement from Caf reads.
- Advertisement -
The Malagasy club, through their Communications Officer Bandy Akama, told our sister paper Malawi News that the match will take place at Cote d’Or National Sports Stadium in Saint Pierre, Mauritius, on September 21.
But the club has not officially informed both Silver and the Football Association of Malawi about the development.
Following the uncertainty, Fam has written Malagasy Football Federation (MFF) on the matter.
Fam Competitions and Communications Director Gomezgani Zakazaka confirmed the development.
- Advertisement -
“We have written the Madagascan FA to brief us on the issue. We are waiting for the feedback,” he said.
On his part, Silver Chief Executive Officer Patrick Chimimba admitted yesterday that they were in an awkward situation.
“Logistically, it is a nightmare. We are racing against time. We cannot book flights and hotels as we do not have formal communication on the [issue of] venue,” Chimimba said.
Elgeco will play the match away from home as Madagascar does not have a Caf-certified stadium.
Initially, Elgeco had requested to play both matches at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe but Fam rejected the proposal.
The second leg is scheduled for Bingu National Stadium between September 26 and 28.
The winner between Silver and Elgeco will face either Wiliete Benguela from Angola or Tanzanian champions Young Africans (Yanga) Sports Club in the second preliminary round.
