NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 21 – Kenya has been handed a reprieve by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which revised the fans’ attendance to 36,000 for the Harambee Stars’ Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter finals clash against Madagascar on Friday at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani.
Confirming on the eve of the match, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, said CAF has given a nod for an 80 percent stadium capacity attendance, with 36,000 tickets to be available.
“We thank all Kenyans and fans for standing together in previous matches. The CAF compliance report reflects very good progress, and as a result, our appeal has been considered favorably. Let us maintain this momentum of compliance so that by the time we reach the finals, we can achieve 100% attendance,” CS Mvurya, who was accompanied by Football Kenya Federation boss, Hussein Mohammed, and CHAN Local Organizing Committee Chair Nicholas Musonye, said.
Mvurya confirmed that the ticketing portal is now open to accommodate the additional numbers, ensuring more fans can rally behind the national football team, Harambee Stars, in their quest to seal a semi-final slot.
“The ticketing process is being handled by CAF, and they have put measures in place to resolve past issues. As the government, we are confident in CAF’s capacity to manage the process effectively. We encourage fans to purchase tickets early and support Harambee Stars in this crucial match,” Mvurya stated.
The CS urged fans to arrive early, comply with entry requirements, and rally behind the national team in this decisive quarterfinal.
“Those who have tickets should come early tomorrow, prepared to rally behind our team and cheer them on. Harambee Stars requires the full support of all Kenyans, and that is why we urge everyone making it to the stadium to comply with the requirements and actively support our boys. Tomorrow is a must-win, and with the backing of Kenyans, we believe victory is within reach,” said the CS
Earlier this week, Kenyan fans were unable to access tickets after the website crashed, and when it was back, tickets were already sold out.
On Monday last week, CAF decreed that only 27,000 fans would be allowed inside the 48,000-seater stadium following multiple safety and security breaches in Harambee Stars’ previous matches at the African Nations Championships (CHAN) against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Angola, and Morocco.
