CHAN: Watch zones for Kenya vs Zambia game; stadium check-in five hours to kick off

For the first time since the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) began, Kenyan football fans who fail to secure match-day tickets will have the opportunity to follow the games at official Fan Zones.

The rollout begins this Sunday for Kenya’s Harambee Stars match against Zambia’s Chipolopolo. The game is primed for 8:00 PM at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) announced on Tuesday that it is setting up watch zones where fans without match-day tickets can enjoy the action.

Additionally, the LOC has directed that ticket holders must check in at the match venue five hours before kick-off.

These new guidelines are part of a raft of measures introduced by the LOC, in collaboration with Kenya’s security agencies, to curb the security breaches that have marred Kenya’s previous games.

During Sunday’s memorable 1–0 win over Morocco, hundreds of fans—some without tickets—forced their way into the stadium after breaching security barricades. This prompted the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to scale down fan attendance to 60 percent, with only 27,000 tickets released for sale on Monday night.

Furthermore, only electronic ticket holders will be allowed into the stadium.

“To ensure the safety of all attendees, the smooth running and success of the tournament, and to maintain the envious reputation of Kenyan football, we call on all supporters to strictly observe the following safety measures,” Chair of the LOC, Nic Musonye said in a statement.

He went on: “You are advised to purchase match tickets only from the authorized online vendor as only e-tickets will be valid form of entry, and not printed versions; you are encouraged to arrive at the stadium on Match Day at least five (5) hours before kick-off with your ticket ready on your mobile phone for quick verification”

Continued security breaches have put Kenya on crosshairs, with CAF slapping a Ksh. 2.5milion fine for breaches witnessed during Kenya’s game against DR Congo.