El–Hadj | |
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| Location | Djibouti City,Djibouti |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 11°34′27″N43°07′55″E / 11.57417°N 43.13194°E /11.57417; 43.13194 |
| Capacity | 20,000 |
| Surface | Artificial turf |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 26 June 1993 |
| Renovated | 2002 |
| Tenants | |
| Djibouti national football team (1993–present) | |
TheEl Hadj Hassan Gouled Aptidon Stadium is a multi-usestadium inDjibouti City,Djibouti. It is currently reserved mostly forfootball matches. The stadium has a capacity of hosting up to 20,000[1] fans. As of April 2007, the Stade has anartificial turf pitch courtesy ofFIFA'sWin in Africa development programme. It is currently the home ground of theDjibouti national football team.[2] The stadium is home to many sports federations in Djibouti, including theDjiboutian Football Federation.
The stadium opened on June 26, 1993. It is named after the first President of Djibouti,Hassan Gouled Aptidon. The facility was built with the assistance ofChinese engineers. The stadium has also benefited from the Goal program established byFIFA.[citation needed]
Renovation work at the stadium commenced in 2002.[citation needed]
In 2007, newartificial turf was installed for a second time.[1]
The stadium includes an eight-lanerunning track and artificial turf. It has twostands, one covered, which can accommodate 10,000 spectators. The complex also has three rooms for the practice ofmartial arts andtable tennis.
The stadium has previously hosted matches for theDjibouti national football team, the Djibouti championship,Djibouti Cup, andDjibouti Super Cup as well as athletics competitions.
On April 7, 2000, thefirst official international match was played in the stadium featuringDjibouti and theDemocratic Republic of Congo during2002 FIFA World Cup qualification, a 1–1 draw in front of 2,700 spectators.
In athletics, it is the place of departure and arrival of the international semi-marathon of Djibouti which takes place annually in March.[1]
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