Kenya, Aug. 3 -- Chaos erupted at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, as fervent football fans overpowered stewards and police officers to gain entry ahead of the Harambee Stars' African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 opener against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The sold-out match, marking Kenya's debut in the tournament, saw thousands of supporters breach security barriers at one of the entry points, overwhelming officials in a display of uncontainable enthusiasm for the national team.
The incident occurred hours before the 3 p.m. kickoff, with fans streaming into Nairobi from all directions, waving Kenyan flags and donning replica jerseys.
The Moi International Sports Centre, a 48,000-seater stadium recently renovated for CHAN 2024, was a sea of red, green, and white as supporters chanted team slogans.
Despite strict security protocols, including buffer zones set one kilometre from the venue and a ban on items like vuvuzelas and whistles, a section of fans broke through barriers at a key entry point along Thika Road.
Police and stewards, initially caught off guard, struggled to manage the surge but eventually restored order. No injuries were reported, though the Kenya Red Cross Society had deployed emergency response teams, including ambulances and crowd safety units, to handle such scenarios.
The electric atmosphere shows the high anticipation for Harambee Stars' clash against two-time CHAN champions DRC.
Tickets for the match sold out a week in advance, with regular seats priced at Ksh200, VIP at Ksh500, and VVIP at Ksh1,000, reflecting the immense demand.
Fans unable to secure tickets were advised to watch the game on KBC TV or through CAF's broadcast partners. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) had emphasized digital ticketing through chan.mookh.com, with designated gates for different ticket types to streamline entry.
However, the overwhelming turnout tested these measures, with fans accessing the stadium via Ruaraka Baba Dogo Road, Ngomongo Roundabout, and the Safari Park footbridge.
Harambee Stars, led by captain Aboud Omar and coach Benni McCarthy, face a formidable Group A, including DRC, Morocco, Angola, and Zambia. The team's debut in CHAN, a tournament for Africa-based players, has galvanized national pride.
President William Ruto promised Ksh600 million if the team wins the tournament, with individual player bonuses of Ksh1 million per group-stage victory.
McCarthy, exuding confidence, described his squad as a "cosmopolitan" blend of talent ready to defy the odds. Supporters echoed this optimism, with fan Wycliffe Omondi declaring, "This is our time," as he purchased a subsidised team jersey.
The security breach highlighted the challenges of managing large crowds at high-stakes events. The government had assured robust safety measures, with Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya urging fans to turn up in large numbers while maintaining order.
CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo also called for a display of the "Pamoja spirit" to showcase Kenya's hosting capabilities for future tournaments like AFCON 2027.
Despite the incident, the vibrant scene at Kasarani, filled with song and dance, captured the unifying power of football. Fans creatively adapted to the ban on traditional noisemakers, ensuring the stadium remained a cauldron of energy.
This match marks a historic moment for Kenyan football, with Kasarani hosting all of Harambee Stars' group games, including clashes against Angola on August 7, Morocco on August 10, and Zambia on August 17.
The stadium will also stage a quarterfinal and the tournament final on August 30. The breach, while disruptive, reflected the deep passion of Kenyan fans, eager to support their team against a seasoned DRC side.
As the nation rallies behind Harambee Stars, the incident serves as a reminder of the logistical demands of hosting a continental showpiece. The team's performance, backed by a roaring home crowd, could set the tone for Kenya's CHAN campaign and its aspirations as a footballing nation.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.