Kenya Appeals to CAF for Full Stadium Capacity Ahead of CHAN Quarterfinal
Nairobi, The Gulf Observer: The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has lodged a formal appeal to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), seeking approval to lift the current 60 percent stadium attendance cap for Friday’s Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) quarterfinal showdown against Madagascar, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has confirmed.
CAF had earlier restricted capacity at Kasarani Stadium from 46,000 to 27,000 spectators after chaotic scenes marred Kenya’s 1-0 group-stage win over Morocco. That ruling was enforced during the Stars’ final group clash against Zambia last Sunday.
Speaking on Wednesday, Mvurya revealed that FKF was pushing for full capacity at the stadium to give fans a chance to support the team at a critical stage of the tournament.
“FKF has already engaged CAF to have the numbers revised. However, we await CAF’s response and will communicate any updates in due course,” Mvurya said.
The CS commended Kenyan fans for their discipline during Sunday’s clash with Zambia, which proceeded without incident.
“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,” he added.
Ticketing challenges, however, remain a major hurdle for supporters. Mvurya acknowledged that CAF’s online portal had experienced technical glitches but assured that the matter was being addressed.
“CAF is sorting out the issue of ticketing. There was a challenge yesterday, and they are working on it. We are confident they will announce soon how fans can access tickets through the portal. In the meantime, we urge Kenyans to maintain their high spirits, unity, and unwavering support for the Harambee Stars,” he said.
To accommodate more supporters unable to secure tickets, FKF and the Local Organising Committee have expanded official fan zones in Nairobi and Mombasa. In the capital, Ruiru, Dagoretti’s Camp, Toyoyo, and Babadogo have been added to the existing venues at Uhuru Park, Archives, Dandora, Jacaranda, Clay City, Githurai, Kibra DC Grounds, and Lucky Summer in Kasarani.
In Mombasa, six fan zones will open in collaboration with the County Government, including Changamwe Volleyball Grounds, St. Mary’s Bangladesh Grounds, Mama Ngina Waterfront, Shelly Beach, Hassan Joho Stadium, and Bilima Grounds.
Mvurya encouraged further participation from private and county stakeholders to help enhance the fan experience as Kenya eyes a semifinal berth.
