Playing in front of our fans means a lot to us – Kenya Futsal captain Anas Mahad
By Joel Masibo, January 28, 2026The Kenya national futsal team captain Ana Mahad has expressed delight in playing in front of home fans ahead of the team’s second leg tie of the CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026 qualifiers on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi.
In his message heading into the fixture, Mahad has also urged local fans to throng Kasarani Indoor Arena as Kenya seeks to advance to the next stage of the qualifiers.
Proud moment
”As a player, it means a lot to me, just like my fellow players. Playing for our nation in front of our families means a lot. My message to the fans: come in your numbers. They also have to believe in us. Without their support, we would not be here. For them to be at the arena, their voice will be heard.” Hamad said on Tuesday evening, January 27, 2026.
In a desperate approach to fill the Arena, Football Kenya Federation has also waived the entry fee charges to accommodate all futsal enthusiasts in support of the national team.
According to details released by FKF on Monday, January 26, 2026, the decisive encounter is scheduled to kick off at 4:00 pm and will be open to fans free of charge, in a move aimed at rallying strong home support for the national team.
The match presents a crucial opportunity for Kenya to push for qualification to the continental showpiece. This comes after FKF President Hussein Mohammed has picked the positives despite the team losing 8-4 to the hosts on Friday night, January 23, 2026.
The team made its futsal debut at The Dome in Swakopmund, Namibia, in the opening leg of the two-legged qualifier as both nations sought to secure a place in the continental tournament. Kenya aimed for a positive result away from home to boost their chances ahead of the return leg, but fell short of the target.
Positive lessons
”A tough result away in Namibia, but an important and historic first match for Kenya in futsal. We are building something new, and FKF is fully committed to supporting this journey. We regroup and fight again at home next week.” Mohammed said via X.
Futsal is a scaled-down variant of association football played between two teams of five players each on a court smaller than a football pitch. Its rules are based on the FIFA Laws of the Game, and it also shares similarities with five-a-side football and indoor soccer.
Should Kenya overcome Namibia in the return leg, they will face Libya in the second and final round of qualification. This stage will also be contested over two legs, with matches scheduled for February 3 or 4 and February 7 or 8, 2026.
Road to Morocco
The qualification campaign will be played over two rounds, with 18 teams competing for seven available slots at the continental finals. The seven qualified nations will join hosts and defending champions Morocco at the CAF Futsal AFCON Morocco 2026.