Kenyan Fans Force Entry Into Nyayo Stadium for Gabon Match
There was chaos at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, March 23, as football fans eager to watch Kenya’s World Cup qualifier against Gabon broke through a gate to gain access to the venue.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) had earlier announced that all 22,900 tickets allocated for the historic home qualifier had been sold out, leaving many fans without access to the stadium.
Despite this, hundreds of hopeful supporters gathered outside the stadium, determined to find a way in.
Videos obtained by Newshub.co.ke captured the moment when a large crowd forced their way through an opening after overpowering a security gate.
It remains unclear why security officers were unable to contain the situation, but reports suggest they may have been overwhelmed by the increasing number of fans desperate to enter the stadium.
The situation was made worse by the limited number of ticket-scanning points, which resulted in long queues and growing frustration among those who had legally purchased tickets.
This congestion contributed to heightened tension as fans struggled to get inside before the 4 PM kickoff.
Inside the stadium, excitement was at an all-time high, with fans rushing to secure seats ahead of the highly anticipated match.
While many engaged in song and dance to pass the time, some resorted to chanting anti-government slogans—an emerging trend in public gatherings across the country.
With the official ticket count standing at 22,900, at least 5,000 seats in the 30,000-capacity stadium were expected to remain unoccupied.
However, the influx of ticketless fans raised concerns about security breaches and overcrowding, potentially pushing the stadium beyond its safe capacity.
According to guidelines set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), stadium management must assess several safety factors when determining the maximum number of spectators allowed.
These include entry flow, designated crowd-holding areas, exit routes, and emergency evacuation plans.
Additionally, other key considerations include the number of functional seats, the rate at which fans can enter, and the time required to evacuate the stadium in case of an emergency.
As the Harambee Stars took to the pitch, the stakes were high, with the team needing a strong performance against Gabon to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.
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