Chaos Erupts as Angry Fans Force Entry into Nyayo Stadium Before Kickoff
Excitement turned chaotic at Nyayo Stadium before the Kenya-Gabon World Cup qualifier, as eager fans breached security gates. The incident occurred despite the Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) announcement of a complete ticket sell-out, with 22,900 tickets purchased.
Hours before the crucial match, a massive crowd gathered outside the stadium, many without tickets, hoping to enter the newly renovated venue. Videos showed fans overwhelming security at an entrance, pushing through the gate. The whereabouts of security personnel during the breach remains unclear, though it’s suspected they were simply outnumbered.
Adding to the security challenge were limited ticket-scanning zones, causing long queues and frustration for legitimate ticket holders. The anticipation inside the stadium was palpable, with fans eager to secure their seats before the 4 pm kickoff.
Inside, fans entertained themselves with songs and dances. However, some attendees chanted anti-government slogans, a trend increasingly seen at public events. With all 22,900 tickets sold, expectations were for roughly 5,000 empty seats in the 30,000-seater stadium. The influx of ticketless fans, however, raised serious concerns about overcrowding and security.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) guidelines mandate a thorough assessment of stadium capacity, considering factors like entry flow, crowd control, and emergency evacuation. The permitted number of spectators is determined by key safety metrics, including seat availability, entry rates, and evacuation times.
For the Harambee Stars, a positive result against Gabon is crucial for their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes.
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Chaos Erupts as Angry Fans Force Entry into Nyayo Stadium Before Kickoff
