The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has given the green light for more fans to watch Kenya’s African Nations Championship quarterfinal against Madagascar.
Kasarani Stadium will now allow up to 80 per cent capacity, meaning about 36,000 fans can attend.
The Football Kenya Federation and the Local Organising Committee had asked CAF to let the stadium operate at full capacity.
In their appeal, they highlighted stronger security, improved gate operations, and better crowd control. CAF settled on 80 per cent, saying the measures were enough to allow more fans back into the stands.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya welcomed the move on Thursday, August 21, saying it would give Harambee Stars more support.
“I have welcomed the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s decision to revise stadium attendance to 80 per cent, translating to 36,000 tickets,” Mvurya wrote on his official X account.
Adding;
“CAF is working to reopen the ticketing portal to accommodate the additional numbers, ensuring more fans can rally behind our national team, Harambee Stars, in the ongoing CHAN 2024 tournament.”
During Kenya’s last group match against Zambia, CAF had allowed only 60 per cent capacity, approximately 27,000 fans. That decision came after problems with crowd control and poor gate management earlier in the competition.
Mvurya assured Kenyans that lessons have been learned and better measures are now in place.
“We have learned from past challenges and taken robust measures to address all areas of concern. Security has been tightened, lighting improved, and gate operations fully restructured,” he said.
“I urge Kenyans to continue on this positive trajectory of unity and purpose, without invoking negative politics, as we stand together in support of our team.
To ensure more people can follow the action, the number of fan zones in Nairobi has also been expanded from 10 to 13. New viewing points include Ruiru, Camp Toyoyo in Dagoretti and Babadogo, joining popular spots like Uhuru Park, Archives, Jacaranda and Githurai.
The match against Madagascar is one of the biggest of the tournament. With a semifinal place on the line, thousands of Kenyans are expected to turn up both at Kasarani and in fan zones across Nairobi.
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