"Chaos Erupts at CHAN: Ticket Sales Suspended After Nairobi Match Mayhem!"
🇰🇪 A NIGHT OF DISORDER IN NAIROBI! 🇲🇦
Ticket sales for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) matches in Nairobi have been abruptly suspended following chaotic scenes that marred Kenya's stunning 1-0 victory over Morocco on Sunday. While the Harambee Stars shocked the pre-tournament favorites, the jubilant atmosphere was overshadowed by disorder both inside and outside the packed Kasarani Stadium.
🚨 SECURITY NIGHTMARE:
The match, held at the Moi International Sports Centre, was plagued by security breaches, including a broken gate, fans entering without tickets, and overcrowding that exceeded the stadium's 48,063 capacity. Reports emerged of police using tear gas on fans trying to access the stadium from a lower gate, further escalating tensions.
🎟️ TICKET SALES HALTED:
Mookh Africa, the ticketing service provider for CHAN in Kenya, confirmed to BBC Sport Africa that all sales for upcoming fixtures at the stadium have been suspended until further notice from organizers. The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has launched investigations into the incident, expressing concern over the security situation. A Caf spokesperson stated, “Caf is engaging with the local organizing committee and the (Kenyan) government to address security issues.”
💰 A FINANCIAL BLOW:
This incident comes just days after the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) was fined $20,000 by Caf for previous crowd control failures, with $2,500 of that sum suspended. The pressure is mounting as Kenya co-hosts CHAN alongside Tanzania and Uganda, with the trio also set to stage the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
📉 TICKET TROUBLES:
The chaos at Kasarani stemmed from ticketing issues and the overwhelming eagerness of Kenyan supporters to see their team in action. Many fans were left stranded outside the stadium, holding what appeared to be valid tickets, only to discover they had unknowingly purchased duplicates from unscrupulous vendors.
💸 A FRAUDULENT MARKET:
Concerns are rising over the unregulated resale market operating around Kasarani on match days, with witnesses accusing rogue vendors of profiting just meters from the gates. Less than 30 minutes before kick-off, the stadium was still half-empty, leading frustrated fans to jump over the perimeter fence for illegal entry.
🏃♂️ A NEAR STAMPEDE:
Despite a strong security presence, breaches occurred, sparking a near stampede as fans rushed to secure their spots. The ground quickly became overcrowded as Kenyan supporters crammed in to witness Ryan Ogam score the decisive goal for coach Benni McCarthy's side. In the chaos, several fans even invaded the press box, raising safety concerns among Moroccan media members.
⚠️ CALLS FOR CHANGE:
With three more matches scheduled at the Kasarani, including Kenya's group game against Zambia on Sunday, fans are demanding urgent reforms. Many have reported that some CHAN matches were marked as sold out before the advertised sales time, leading to frustration and confusion. Supporters are urging authorities to address the online ticketing system and crack down on fraudsters to prevent future chaos.
