The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has granted approval for up to 36,000 fans to attend the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 quarter-final between Kenya and Madagascar at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Friday.

This decision, which represents 80 percent of the stadium’s total capacity, is a significant increase from the 26,896 fans who watched Kenya’s victory over Zambia last Sunday.

The announcement follows recent restrictions imposed by CAF due to security breaches during a previous group-stage fixture against two-time winners Morocco.

In response to the security issues, Kenyan authorities have since implemented stricter security protocols, improved crowd control measures, and expanded public awareness campaigns. The number of official fan zones in Nairobi and its environs has also been increased to 13 to help reduce congestion around the stadium.

The approval is a major boost for the government, FKF, and fans as the Harambee Stars prepare for their first-ever CHAN quarter-final.

The expected electric atmosphere at Kasarani is anticipated to give the team a crucial advantage as they aim for a spot in the semi-finals.

However, uncertainty remains regarding the ticketing process. Mookh.com, the platform handling ticket sales, has faced criticism for recent system crashes, long queues, and complaints of double bookings.

It is unclear if the firm will reopen sales to accommodate the additional 11,400 tickets or if alternative distribution methods will be used.

Despite the ticketing issues, the focus for the Harambee Stars remains firmly on the match. With fans eagerly awaiting clarity on ticket availability, Friday’s clash promises to be another landmark moment for Kenyan football.

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