Kenya's national football team, Harambee Stars, is preparing for their quarter-final match against Madagascar in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled for Friday at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The match has generated significant public interest, causing the Mookh ticketing portal to crash upon ticket sales opening. Madagascar arrived in Nairobi on a chartered flight from Zanzibar ahead of the game. Former South African international Mark Fish highlighted Harambee Stars' forward Ryan Ogam as one of the best CHAN players so far, while former Ethiopia coach Abraham Mebratu praised Kenya's Byrne Omondi and Tanzania's Fei Toto. Harambee Stars goalkeeper Arnold Origi expressed confidence in the team's ability to win the title. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) head of communication commended the Kenyan public's enthusiasm for the tournament. However, CAF has not restored full-capacity attendance at Kasarani Stadium, prompting the Kenyan government to appeal for permission to allow full crowds. In response, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya confirmed high readiness for the match and announced the addition of five more fan zones across Nairobi to accommodate supporters. The government is also expanding public viewing areas in other cities such as Mombasa and Eldoret. Meanwhile, there is local enthusiasm and pride in the team's progress, with some fans purchasing tickets for other CHAN matches, including those in Tanzania. The quarter-final encounter is anticipated to be challenging, with Mark Fish noting that fan pressure will be a key factor for Kenya.
'I congratulate Kenyans who have bought Tanzanian tickets', CS Murkomen joins CHAN banter https://t.co/HpouBRGmN1
More Fan Zones For Chan: Sports CS Salim Mvurya has announced that the government in partnership with the local organising committee has added more fan zones ahead of Kenya's quarterfinal clash. #NTVTonight @elijah_ouko https://t.co/S8klVpbSPD
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