CHAN 2024: Your Power-Packed Game Day Playbook

Your ultimate game day guide for Kenyan fans at CHAN 2024, from what to wear and how to get to Kasarani, to local chants, food, and fan etiquette.

It is exactly nine days to go until the 2024 African Nations Championships(CHAN)  kicks off and excitement is reaching fever pitch in Kenya, one of the proud host nations of this historic tournament.

Harambee Stars’ Group A matches are scheduled to take place at Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Kenya will open their campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo and the message to fans is clear: Africa is coming home – let’s show up for it!

Pulse Sports brings you everything fans need to know to make game day unforgettable.

What to Wear

Match day is all about showing your colors. Fans are encouraged to wear Kenya’s national colors, namely red, green, black, and white. 

Official Harambee Stars jerseys are a favorite, but those without one can rock flags, face paint, or even creative homemade outfits.

Stadium essentials include sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, a fully charged power bank, a light jacket for unpredictable Nairobi weather, and, of course, your loudest vuvuzela or drum. 

You are reminded to travel light and avoid carrying unnecessary valuables.

Travel Tips to Kasarani

With large crowds expected, fans are advised to plan ahead. Public transport remains the easiest option, with matatus from the CBD, especially routes like 17B and 23, heading towards Kasarani.

Carpooling is another option to avoid parking hassles. For those arriving from nearby estates, boda bodas can cut through traffic in the final stretch. 

Given that might become uncontrollable at Thika Super Highway especially during Harambee Stars; matchdays, you are also advised to get to the stadium as early as you can. 

Organisers have  advised fans to arrive at least two hours before kickoff to soak in the pre-match atmosphere and avoid last-minute delays.

 Match Day Energy

Matchdays in Kenya cannot be completed without the iconic chants and whistles. As seen during the 2017 World Athletics U-17 championships, when the government waivered tickets to allow Kenyan fans free entry, Kenyans were even willing to do the Mexican wave.

The atmosphere around Kasarani is expected to be electric, filled with music, dance, and spontaneous celebrations. 

Smokie Pasua, Smocha and more

Around the stadium, food vendors are gearing up for the influx of supporters. Popular street snacks include smokie or mayai pasua served with kachumbari, chapati-madondo combos, fried bhajia, and freshly roasted maize. 

Fans are urged to support local vendors and sample the flavors that define Nairobi’s vibrant food culture. For the brave and hungry, an early bite of mutura could be the perfect pre-match ritual.

Positive Fan Conduct: Represent Kenya With Pride

With the world watching, officials are calling on fans to demonstrate the best of Kenyan hospitality. Security will be present, but organizers are banking on self-discipline and mutual respect to keep the atmosphere family-friendly.

Fans are reminded to clean up after themselves, avoid confrontations, and respect rival supporters and match officials. Let’s make the stadium a safe space for everyone.

CHAN 2024 will be a once-in-a-generation moment, with the country hosting a continental showpiece for the first time since 1987, when Kenya hosted the All African Games.

It’s Kenya’s chance to lead from the front, to celebrate African football on home soil, and to show the world how we support our own.

Africa is coming home. Kenya, let’s fill the stands!