One day after it was reported that Zambia risked losing right to host COSAFA Castle Cup semi-final this year if Lusaka's Independence Stadium is not declared as the tournament's venue,Zambia government authorized the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to use the closed down stadium especially for the encounter.

Meanwhile, the country's Sport Ministry ordered that the hazardous grand stand be sealed off from the fans ahead of the August 19 match, Times of Zambia reported Wednesday.

It quoted permanent secretary of the ministry Bob Samakai as saying here Tuesday that the VIP and open wings will be open to the public, while the grand stand remains closed.

After touring the stadium he asked FAZ to write to COSAFA secretary general Ashford Mamelodi to confirm that the semi-final match will be held at the stadium.

He said the stadium will be closed after the match to give enough time to the contractor to carry on with rehabilitation works of ablution blocks and the playing surface.

Earlier Mamelodi said that there is no any other venue in Zambia that will host the match against the Tswanas on 19th this month in Lusaka, apart from the Independence Stadium, whose activities have only been restricted to local league games.

"If they don't deliver Independence Stadium, we reserve the tight to change the venue to another country," the COSAFA secretary general said.

Source: Xinhua