Fan fever grips Kenya as CHAN 2024 kicks off in style

Harambee Stars supporters during the opening match between Kenya and DR Congo at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani/PCS

Kenyans are buzzing with excitement as the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) gets underway, marking a historic moment for the country and the region.

For the first time in CHAN’s history, the tournament is being co-hosted by East African neighbours Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania under the banner "CHAN PAMOJA 2024," a symbol of regional unity and collaboration.

From Nairobi to Kisumu, and Mombasa to Eldoret, the atmosphere is electric.

Streets are filled with fans donning Harambee Stars jerseys, waving national flags, and chanting in support of the home team.

Social media is flooded with celebratory posts, match predictions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses from the newly upgraded stadiums.

In Nairobi, the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and the iconic Nyayo Stadium have undergone extensive renovations in preparation for the event.

Both venues now boast revamped turf and drainage systems, enhanced seating and signage, state-of-the-art media facilities, modernised VAR rooms, and upgraded match officiating technologies.

Parking zones and fan areas have also been expanded to accommodate the influx of football lovers.

“We’ve spent months preparing, and the results are clear,” said Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi, visibly proud as fans flooded the streets and stadiums.

Sunday’s opening match between Kenya and DR Congo drew a mammoth crowd to Kasarani. Long queues formed early in the morning, and as kickoff approached, fans pushed past checkpoints in their eagerness to get in.

Security officers were visibly overwhelmed as barricades gave way and supporters streamed in through various entry points, eager not to miss a historic moment.

The match lived up to the hype. In front of a deafening home crowd, Kenya secured a 1-0 victory over the two-time champions, thanks to a composed first-half strike by Austin Odhiambo.

Harambee Stars supporters during the opening match between Kenya and DR Congo at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani/PCS

Despite the excitement, not everything went smoothly. Some fans were left frustrated after failing to gain entry into the stadium, with many accusing the organisers of mishandling ticket distribution.

“Where are the tickets? The government has bought all of them to give to people who are friendly to the administration,” shouted one fan outside Kasarani. Others claimed to have arrived hours before kickoff, only to be turned away despite reports that the stadium was not at full capacity.

Nicholas Musonye, head of the local organising committee, dismissed allegations of ticket hoarding for the Harambee Stars vs DRC match.

Musonye explained that the match tickets were open to the market and were sold by the Confederation of African Football (CAF)

“The issue of hoarding tickets was not there. The Harambee Stars vs DRC tickets were open to the market, and they were sold by CAF, not us. This is a CAF competition, so those who went first got their tickets,” he stated.

Still, disgruntled supporters argued that ticketing was not transparent and that legitimate fans had been locked out of the game.

In light of the massive crowds, security protocols for CHAN 2024 have been extensive. The Kenya Red Cross Society deployed emergency response teams at both venues, offering first aid, ambulance services, crowd safety oversight, and missing persons tracing.

In adherence to tournament rules, fans were barred from bringing in vuvuzelas, megaphones, whistles, drums, flares, and fireworks. Firearms are strictly prohibited.

However, flags, team jerseys, and mobile phones remain allowed, keeping the celebratory spirit alive while maintaining order.

Kenya now sits second in Group A, tied with Morocco on three points but trailing on goal difference after Morocco’s 2-0 victory over Angola at Nyayo Stadium. Kenya will face Angola next on Thursday, before clashing with the North African heavyweights on Sunday in a match that could determine their progression to the knockout stages.