The Kenya Harambee Stars maybe shinning bright at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), leading Group A with seven points from three games, but the lapses off the pitch have left a sour taste in the mouth for many, including CAF.
The continental football governing has on Monday issued a statement revealing the continued breach of regulations especially in regard to crowd access and control at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
In Kenya’s first two games against DR Congo and Angola, CAF issued warnings and also slapped a suspended fine to FKF.
However, the same incidents were observed in their last game, against Morocco where fans without tickets broke into the gates and were able to access the stadium.
CAF says,” following repeated and serious security lapses during Kenya’s home matches, a decision has been taken to impose immediate measires for the upcomong fixtures against Kasarani involving the host nation.”
Some of the lapses highlighted by CAF included;
- Overruning the stadium gates.
- Initial crowd control failure at Ngomongo roundabout.
- Use of teargas and flash grenades causing panic.
- Stone-throwing at security personnel.
As a result, CAF has ordered for capacity restriction on fans that will acess the stadium in the next games from 60,000 to 27,000.
Additionally, CAF will only consider electronic ticket holders and thermal tickets are prohibited.
The CHAN 2024 Local Organizing Commitee and Government have also been tasked to make a public media campaign sensitizing people on the safety controls and entry requirements.
Kenya will play their final group game on Sunday against Zambia. The Harambee Stars need just a point to guarantee their slot in the quarterfinals.
