The Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, is preparing for more than football this weekend. When the African Nations Championship (CHAN) final kicks off on Saturday, Nairobi will host not just a clash of nations on the pitch, but a festival of music and culture.
Tanzanian star Zuchu has confirmed she will headline the entertainment, telling fans on Instagram that she is “beyond excited to perform in Nairobi on such a historic night.” She will share the stage with Uganda’s Grammy-nominated Eddy Kenzo and Kenya’s own Savara of Sauti Sol.
For many, the performance line-up is as big a draw as the match itself. “The final promises both fire and flair at Kasarani,” said an official with the Confederation of African Football, describing the combination of sport and music as “a celebration of Africa’s unity.”
Morocco vs Madagascar: A Contest of Giants and First-Timers
On the pitch, the football promises drama of its own. Morocco, the defending champions, are chasing a third consecutive CHAN title. They reached the final after edging past Senegal in a tense semi-final that went to penalties.
Across from them stand Madagascar, the surprise package of the tournament. The island nation, making their first appearance in a CHAN final, stunned co-hosts Kenya in a penalty shootout before knocking out Sudan in extra time.
For Kenyan supporters, the disappointment is still raw. The Harambee Stars exited on 22 August after a 1-1 draw against Madagascar ended in a painful penalty defeat. Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija, who had given Kenya an early lead, was among those who missed from the spot.
A Festival Beyond Football
While Kenya will not feature in the final, the occasion remains historic for Nairobi. The combination of continental football and performances from three of East Africa’s most influential artists ensures the stadium will be filled with both music and emotion.
Fans from across the region are expected to pack Kasarani, turning the CHAN 2025 final into an evening that celebrates the power of football and the rhythms of African music.
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