Celebrating 100th anniversary of CPC | China-aided stadium helps Benin host CAF Champions League final

The China-aided Benin Friendship Stadium maintenance project was successfully handed over on July 1, 2021 and certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), Confederation of African Football (CAF) and International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), making it qualified to host major events.

The final of the CAF Champions League was successfully held at the stadium on July 10. This is the first time that CAF has chosen a country other than those of the competing teams, particularly at a stadium in a sub-Saharan African country, to host the final match, a milestone in Benin's history of hosting major sporting events.

The Chinese side formed a 10-member technical support team to provide operational security for the match, together with Benin's management team. The both sides fully embodied trust, understanding and inclusiveness during the mission, which in turn ensured smooth running of the events.

On behalf of Beninese President Patrice Talon, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Aurélien Agbenonci expressed his deep gratitude to China for its assistance in completing the stadium maintenance project.