More football fans may get the chance to enter the Kasarani stadium to watch the Africa Nations Championship quarter-final game between Kenya’s Harambee Stars and Madagascar on Friday evening, after the Football Kenya Federation appealed to CAF to revise the stadium capacity from the current 60% to full capacity.
In addition, the government, through FKF and the Local Organising Committee, has increased the number of official fan zones from the current 10 to 13.
Despite the previous game against Morocco being marred by fans forcing their way into the stadium, the game against Zambia was seamless, with efficient security operations and orderly entry and exit of fans. This has led Kenya to request a revision of the capacity for the game against Madagascar.
The new fan zones are Changamwe Volleyball Grounds, St. Mary’s Bangladesh, Mama Ngina Waterfront, Hassan Joho Stadium, Bilima Grounds, Ruiru, Dagoretti’s Camp Toyoyo, and Babadogo.
The CS further welcomed private and county stakeholders interested in establishing fan zones across Nairobi and Mombasa as alternative venues for fans to enjoy the
games.
In partnership with the County Government of Mombasa, six additional fan zones will be hosted at Changamwe Volleyball Grounds in Changamwe Sub-County, St Mary’s Bangladesh Grounds in Jomvu Sub-County, and Mama Ngina
Waterfront in Mvita Sub-County, Shelly Beach in Likoni Sub-County, Hassan Joho Stadium (Uwanja wa Mbuzi) in Nyali Sub-County, and Bilima Grounds in Kisauni Sub-County.
The venues will provide fans with large screens, quality sound, entertainment, and above all, safe spaces to follow the matches.
The government has also welcomed the CAF’s positive report following last Sunday’s CHAN 2024 fixture between Kenya and Zambia at Kasarani.
“We did not have any incident that could attract sanctions from CAF, and therefore, we want to thank the 12th man, the fans, the security team, and all stakeholders who played a key role in ensuring a seamless game on Sunday. This affirmation underscores Kenya’s commitment to delivering a safe and world-class tournament experience,” he said.
Harambee Stars will play Madagascar in the first quarter final on Friday at the Kasarani stadium, before Tanzania plays Morocco in the second quarter final at the Benjamin Mkapa stadium on Friday night.
On Saturday, Uganda will face Senegal in the third quarterfinal at the Mandela National Stadium, while Sudan and Algeria meet in the last quarterfinal on Saturday night at Amani Stadium.
The two semifinals will be played next Tuesday, the final on Saturday next week, a day after the third-place playoff encounter.
