Only 27,000 fans will be allowed at Kasarani on Sunday for the Kenya versus Zambia match at the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament.
This follows a directive from the African Football governing body (CAF) after repeated and serious security lapses during Kenya’s home matches at Kasarani Stadium.
According to a communique from CAF accessed by the ZamFoot Crew, Only 27000 fans will be allowed in the Stadium with entry strictly limited to electronic ticket holders; thermal tickets prohibited.
Zambia and Kenya will square off on Sunday with the hosts promised a hefty payday by the country’s head of state, William Ruto for a win.
The Chipolopolo Boys are winless in their group having lost their opening two matches, 2-0 to DR Congo and 2-1 to Angola.
Meanwhile Kenya lead Group A with seven points after playing 3 matches, Angola are second with four, Morocco third with 3 points level with DR Congo in 4th place.
BELOW IS THE STATEMENT FROM CAF;
Subject: Urgent CAF Directives Following Security Incidents at Kasarani Stadium
Dear Chairman,
Following repeated and serious security lapses during Kenya’s home matches at Kasarani Stadium, CAF has taken the decision to impose immediate measures for upcoming fixtures in Kasarani involving the Host Nation.
Despite multiple warnings and previous sanctions, the necessary measures to control ticketless spectators, ensure effective crowd management, and fully comply with CAF security requirements have not been implemented.
Major security lapses include:
– Overrunning of stadium gates and PSAs by ticketless spectators and holders of physical tickets distributed by the government, breaches of the perimeter fence, and loss of control at exit points.
– Initial crowd control failure at Ngongomongo roundabout, leading to uncontrolled access through multiple gates.
– Use of tear gas and flash grenades causing panic, with reports of live ammunition fired near spectators and staff.
– Violent incidents, including stone-throwing at security personnel, and unsafe vehicle movement in spectator areas.
– Inadequate police response despite repeated requests for intervention.
– No medical incident reports submitted following reported injuries.
– Insufficient communication tools and lack of CCTV coverage at critical entry points.
These incidents present unacceptable risks to spectators, staff, and the integrity of the tournament.
As a result, CAF is mandating the following measures for all upcoming Kenya home matches at Kasarani:*
1. Capacity restriction: Maximum 60% of stadium capacity (27000 tickets).
2. Ticketing: Entry strictly limited to electronic ticket holders; thermal tickets prohibited.
3. Public accountability & compliance campaign: LOC and government to launch a public media campaign reinforcing safety protocols and entry requirements.
CAF expects full and immediate compliance with these directives. Failure to implement them may result in more serious sanctions, which may include the consideration of alternative venues for future matches of the Host Team.
We trust these measures will be applied swiftly to protect competition’s integrity, ensure fan safety, and uphold confidence in Kenya’s commitment to the Tournament.
