Kenya’s push for a historic African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-final berth will unfold under unusual conditions this Sunday, as the team faces Zambia before a smaller-than-usual home crowd.
Only 27,000 fans with valid e-tickets will be allowed into Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium, a significant drop from the 48,000 capacity for CHAN matches. The restriction follows crowd trouble in earlier games, where fans without tickets forced their way into the venue, prompting the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to fine the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) $17,500.
“It’s our bad behaviour,” admitted Local Organising Committee chairman Nicholas Musonye. “Security will be on high alert to ensure order is maintained.”
FKF president Hussein Mohammed appealed to fans to observe CAF protocols, warning that continued breaches could bring harsher sanctions, potentially costing Kenya future hosting opportunities. To accommodate supporters locked out of the stadium, official fan zones will be set up.
The match — already sold out days in advance — comes with Kenya leading Group A on seven points. A win over Zambia would not only seal their place in the last eight but also guarantee the team a home quarter-final.
