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CAF to allow more fans into Kasarani Stadium for Kenya’s match against Madagascar

07:03 PM
CAF to allow more fans into Kasarani Stadium for Kenya’s match against Madagascar

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has said more fans will be allowed into the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, for the quarter-finals match between Harambee Stars and Madagascar on Friday, August 22, 2025.

The revised limits mean the stadium will now allow at least 36,000 fans from the initial 27,000 limit set after a section of unticketed fans forced their way to watch the Group A match between Morocco and Kenya.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya welcomed the news on Thursday, August 21, saying it was a boost for the Harambee Stars.

Rallying support for Kenya

“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.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya. PHOTO/@Waziri_Mvurya/X
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya. PHOTO/@Waziri_Mvurya/X

“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.”

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) lodged an appeal, pointing out several corrective measures. These included tighter security, streamlined gate operations, and better crowd management. CAF accepted the changes, clearing the way for more fans to support the national team on Friday.

Improvements made

Mvurya earlier assured Kenyans that lessons had been learned and improvements made.

“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.

President William Ruto watches the match between Kenya and the DRC on August 3, 2025, at the Kasarani Stadium. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/williamsamoei
President William Ruto watches the match between Kenya and the DRC on August 3, 2025, at the Kasarani Stadium. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/williamsamoei

To manage the high demand, the number of official fan zones in Nairobi has also been increased from 10 to 13. New sites include Ruiru, Camp Toyoyo in Dagoretti, and Babadogo, joining existing areas such as Uhuru Park, Archives, Jacaranda, and Githurai. Supporters turned up at fan zones during Kenya’s group-stage victory over Zambia, showing the strong public backing for the team.

The Harambee Stars’ match against Madagascar is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament. With a place in the semifinals at stake, thousands of Kenyans are expected to turn up at Kasarani and across the fan zones to cheer on the national side.

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