Relief as CAF approves 80 per cent stadium capacity for Kenya vs Madagascar match

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has granted approval for 80 per cent stadium capacity for Kenya’s 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarterfinal clash against Madagascar.

The match is set for Friday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The decision follows a successful appeal by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC), who requested a review of earlier restrictions imposed due to security breaches during the tournament’s group stage.

"This achievement is the result of strong collaboration and diplomacy between the government, the Local Organising Committee, Football Kenya and CAF. We thank CAF for their confidence in us," FKF President Hussein Mohammed said in a statement.

Mohammed further urged Kenyans to turn up in large numbers at the Stadium and at the designated fan zones to cheer on the Harambee Stars.

"Now it is upon us, the fans, to show the same commitment: come early if you have a valid ticket, fill the stands responsibly, and give Harambee Stars the full backing they deserve. For those without tickets, we have expanded fan zones in Nairobi, and more are being set up outside the city by various stakeholders and county governments - and we sincerely thank them for this initiative. Let’s gather in numbers, at the stadium and in fan zones, to support Harambee Stars," he said.

CAF had initially capped attendance at 60 per cent (27,000 fans) for Kenya’s final group-stage match against Zambia last Sunday, citing concerns over crowd control, poor gate management, and security lapses observed during the first three matches.

With the new approval, up to 36,000 fans will now be allowed inside Kasarani to cheer on the Harambee Stars as they take on Madagascar.

In their appeal, FKF and the LOC outlined a series of corrective measures taken to address CAF’s concerns, including enhanced security protocols, streamlined gate operations, and improved crowd management strategies.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya had earlier expressed confidence in the preparations and urged Kenyans to maintain unity as they rally behind the national team.

“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,” said Mvurya.

To boost public engagement and ease pressure on the main venue, the number of official fan zones in Nairobi has been increased from 10 to 13. The newly added viewing areas include Ruiru, Camp Toyoyo in Dagoretti, and Babadogo.

These join existing fan zones at Uhuru Park, Archives, Dandora, Jacaranda, Clay City, Githurai, Kibra DC Grounds, and Lucky Summer.

Over 50,000 fans reportedly turned out at the fan zones during Kenya’s group-stage win over Zambia—highlighting a growing wave of national support for the Harambee Stars.

Mvurya noted that preparations for the quarterfinal match are in advanced stages.

“We have learned from past challenges and taken robust measures to address all areas of concern,” he said. “Security has been tightened, lighting improved, and gate operations fully restructured.”

Kenya’s match against Madagascar is expected to be one of the most highly anticipated fixtures of the tournament as the Harambee Stars chase a place in the semifinals of the continental showpiece.