CHAN 2024: Musonye calls for decorum ahead of Kenya vs Angola clash

The 2024 Africa National Championships (CHAN) Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chairman Nicholas Musonye has moved to clarify key concerns raised during Kenya’s opening match of the tournament, while rallying fans to show up in large numbers—and observe decorum—ahead of the Harambee Stars’ second Group A clash against Angola on Thursday, August 7, at 7:00 PM at Kasarani Stadium.

Fresh from a 1-0 win over DR Congo on Sunday, Kenya is eyeing back-to-back victories on home soil. However, the first match raised questions after some stadium sections remained visibly empty despite high public interest.

Speaking at an interview, Musonye explained that leaving some sections unoccupied was intentional.

“Even when you are selling tickets, you must be very conservative not to sell the tickets to the limit of 60,000, as it used to be.

“Those who were fast secured the tickets, and when the limit of 48,000 was reached, we couldn’t do anything about it.”

Fans also had concerns about ticket vendors operating near Kasarani and in the Nairobi CBD on match day.

Musonye responded firmly, stressing that the LOC had no hand in such activities and investigations into the claims would be done, insisting that only complimentary tickets were issued.

“This issue of black market tickets, as I have said, we only issued complimentary tickets, so if someone went out there to do some funny business, we shall investigate. Tickets were being sold online by CAF through their parent company.”

The LOC boss further called on Kenyans to strictly follow CAF stadium regulations, especially about banned items like vuvuzelas, whistles, and drums.

“There are prohibited items you cannot bring into the stadium. Things like Isukuti, whistles, and vuvuzelas are not allowed.

“When fans whistle and the referee also uses a whistle, it confuses the players. Vuvuzelas are also not allowed because players cannot hear the referee’s whistle when people blow them loudly.

Musonye urged fans to support the team passionately but within the rules, warning that failure to comply could attract sanctions and fines from CAF.

With the Angola game expected to draw an even bigger crowd, he encouraged fans to be vigilant, arrive early, and ensure they purchase valid tickets through official channels.