Zimbabwe will play its home World Cup Group G qualifying match against Ghana behind closed doors on October 12 2021.

This is the case as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly rejected Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa’s request to accommodate fans at the National Stadium in Harare.

“Our request to have supporters at the National Sports Stadium during the Warriors’ FIFA World Cup 2022ᵀᴹ qualifier vs Ghana on 12 October was rejected by CAF,” Zifa tweeted on Thursday.

The Warriors will host the Black Stars three days after returning from an away encounter in Accra.

ZIFA had hoped for home support in Harare but indicated that: “CAF said our stadium needs to be upgraded to meet required medical, safety & security standards.”

Southern African countries such as Malawi, Namibia and Mozambique are playing their home matches across the borders after CAF had condemned the three countries’ home venues as unfit to host the World Cup qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe caretaker coach Norman Mapeza has named his squad for the back-to-back matches against Ghana.

Mapeza has recalled Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba alongside Plymouth Argyle defender Brendan Galloway and Tendai Darikwa of Wigan Athletic for the trip to Ghana.

The England-based players missed matches against South Africa and Ethiopia earlier this month due to strict Covid-19 travel restrictions in England.

Now, the England-based stars will travel to Ghana for the dance with the Black Stars but their availability for the reverse match in Harare is subject to confirmation, according to Zifa.

Mapeza wants to right the wrongs of the Warriors campaign that veered off track after a  goalless home draw against South Africa and an away 1-0 defeat in Ethiopia.