What was meant to be a celebration of Kenyan football turned messy on Sunday afternoon at Kasarani.
Moments before Harambee Stars’ Group “A” showdown with Morocco, fans poured towards the gates of Moi International Sports Centre. When queues grew long and patience wore thin, some abandoned the lines altogether scaling fences and dodging security checks to get in.
By the time the game kicked off, order had given way to a free-for-all. Stadium security was stretched to the limit, and organisers were left scrambling.
Now, just days before Kenya’s crucial African Nations Championship match against Zambia, ticket sales have been put on ice.
“After the security breach in Kasarani yesterday, ticket sales for Kasarani games have been suspended until further notice from the organisers,” Mookh Africa, the company in charge of ticketing, told Nation Sport.
Nicholas Musonye, who chairs the Local Organising Committee, said the matter was being handled urgently. “I am entering a meeting over the same, please call me at noon,” he said on Monday.
The suspension has thrown a cloud over Sunday’s match, which was expected to fill the 48,000-seat stadium. The stakes are high not just for Kenya’s Chan campaign, but for the fans desperate to be part of it.
For now, the country’s football faithful will have to wait, hoping that when the gates open again, they’ll be able to walk in not jump over.
About the Author
