Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, continues to face significant challenges as they prepare for their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Due to ongoing renovations at both Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, the team will be forced to play yet another home match away from Kenyan soil. This situation has led to Kenya’s upcoming AFCON qualifier against Zimbabwe being relocated to Uganda, much to the disappointment of local fans.
The decision to move the match was confirmed by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) CEO Barry Otieno, who cited the unavailability of any stadium in Kenya that meets the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards. This will be the third consecutive home match that Kenya plays outside its borders, following two World Cup 2026 qualifiers that were held at Bingu National Stadium in Malawi.
Kenya’s football infrastructure has been under scrutiny for some time, and the current state of Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani has only added to the concerns. The Sports Principal Secretary, Peter Tum, had previously assured fans that Nyayo Stadium would be ready in time to host both CAF and AFCON qualifiers. However, a recent inspection by CAF officials determined that the stadium was not fit to host international matches, leading to the decision to relocate the game.
This development is particularly disappointing for Kenyan football fans, who had been hopeful of seeing the Harambee Stars play on home ground. The situation was further compounded after fans witnessed Police FC’s goalless draw against Ethiopian Coffee FC in the CAF Confederations Cup at Nyayo Stadium. Many had anticipated that the stadium would be ready to host the AFCON qualifier against Zimbabwe on September 4, 2024. Instead, fans will now have to travel to Uganda to support their national team.
The Harambee Stars have already had to endure playing two crucial World Cup qualifiers away from home. In these matches, they drew 1-1 with Burundi and 0-0 with the reigning African champions, Ivory Coast, in Malawi. The absence of home-ground support is seen as a significant disadvantage, as playing in front of a home crowd often provides players with extra motivation and confidence. Barry Otieno expressed his regret over the situation, saying, “Playing at home motivates players as they battle opponents confidently in front of their loved ones, and the environment is also friendly, which motivates them a lot, but our hands are tied.”
The situation in Kenya highlights the disparity in football infrastructure within the region. While Kenya struggles with stadium renovations, neighboring countries like Uganda and Tanzania have managed to prepare adequately, each having two CAF-approved stadiums ready for international matches. This difference in preparedness underscores the challenges Kenya faces in hosting major tournaments and fulfilling its potential as a footballing nation.
Despite these setbacks, Otieno reassured fans that the Kenyan government is fully committed to completing the renovations. He urged patience and understanding from the public, emphasizing that the long-term goal is to improve the country’s football infrastructure. “We urge all Kenyans to understand and allow the contractors to complete the renovation. Once they are done, we will have good stadiums and improve our chances of hosting competitions in the future,” Otieno stated.
Kenya’s stadium challenges are not unique, as over 25 African nations currently lack certified stadiums for hosting CAF and FIFA matches. The issue of inadequate facilities has become a continental problem, affecting the ability of many African nations to host international games and forcing them to play in neighboring countries.
The Harambee Stars have missed out on the last two AFCON tournaments, and the pressure is mounting as they navigate a tough Group J in their quest to qualify for Morocco 2025. The group includes formidable opponents such as Cameroon, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, making it essential for Kenya to secure victories in these crucial qualifiers. The relocation of home matches adds an extra layer of difficulty to an already challenging campaign.
In addition to the match against Zimbabwe, Kenya will also face Namibia in their second AFCON 2025 qualifier on September 10, 2024, in South Africa. This match will continue Kenya’s streak of playing important fixtures away from home, further testing the resilience and adaptability of the Harambee Stars.
As Kenya prepares for these upcoming challenges, the nation’s footballing community is eager to see progress in stadium renovations and improvements in infrastructure. The hope is that these efforts will not only benefit the national team but also position Kenya as a viable host for future international tournaments. With the 2025 African Nations Championships (CHAN) and AFCON 2027 on the horizon, there is a renewed focus on ensuring that the country’s stadiums meet the required standards.
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