National football team Harambee Stars players ahead of their clash against Morocco on August 10, 2025. /HARAMBEE STARSNational football team Harambee Stars has urged Kenyans to maintain their passionate support when they face Zambia in their final Group A match of the CHAN tournament on Sunday at Kasarani.
The Stars currently lead the group with seven points after a 1-0 victory over Morocco last Sunday.
They opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over DR Congo on August 3 and later drew 1-1 with Angola on August 7.
While Sunday’s tie against bottom-placed Zambia—who have yet to register a win in two games—may not determine Kenya’s qualification, the team is leaving nothing to chance.
They have already secured a place in the quarter-finals, but with Sh2.5 million prize money for each player promised by President William Ruto, there is plenty of motivation to keep winning.
"Your energy has carried us this far, and we are loving every moment of it. As we meet Zambia this Sunday at Kasarani, let’s show the same passion with patience," the Stars said in a statement.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has, however, imposed strict conditions for the match following fan misbehaviour during the Morocco clash.
CAF Director of Tournaments and Events Samson Adamu cited repeated and serious security breaches despite earlier warnings and sanctions.
"Major security lapses include overrunning of stadium gates and PSAs by ticketless spectators... use of tear gas and flash grenades and inadequate police response," Adamu said.
In response, CAF has restricted stadium capacity to 60 per cent—equivalent to 27,000 tickets—and mandated entry strictly for holders of electronic tickets.
"Failure to implement them may result in more serious sanctions, which may include the consideration of alternative venues for future matches of the host team," Adamu warned in a letter addressed to CHAN 2024 Local Organising Committee chairman Nicholas Musonye.
Harambee Stars appealed to fans to follow the rules.
"Come only if you have an original ticket – and if not, cheer us on from KBC or Azam at home. Let’s keep the focus on football and avoid actions that could cost the team," they said.
Meanwhile, many fans have voiced frustrations online over ticket shortages on the official CAF website, claiming it has been a major factor pushing some to force their way into the stadium.
