Football fans gearing up for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) will have to tone down their excitement — literally. In a bid to bolster security and ensure smooth matches, the tournament’s Local Safety and Security Department has banned a range of items commonly associated with the electric atmosphere of African football.

Top on the list are whistles, vuvuzelas, and flags — items often used by fans to create noise and show support for their teams. Also prohibited are drums, megaphones, loudspeakers, and other sound-amplifying devices.

“We urge all fans to comply with stadium rules and maintain calm. Let us show up in large numbers to support the Harambee Stars and ensure a safe tournament,” the department said in a statement released Thursday.

The crackdown doesn’t stop at noise-making. Spectators are barred from carrying food into stadiums unless for medical or infant-related reasons. Drinks, whether in cups, bottles, cans, or sealed containers, have also been blacklisted.

In a surprising twist, powdery substances — including flour and baking powder — have made the list of banned items, following concerns about visibility and security risks during matches.

While the measures may appear strict, organizers say the move is necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of all fans during the high-stakes tournament.

Kenya’s Harambee Stars are expected to draw massive support as they take the stage, but with cheering now required to be noise-free, fans may need to find new ways to rally their team to victory — quietly. CHAN is set to begin on Saturday, August 2nd,2025.