Local football fans yesterday turned up at fan zones located in various parts of the country to cheer the national football team in the quarter-final match of 2024 African Nations Championships (Chan) against Madagascar. Madagascar won the match played at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani 4-3 on penalties after 1-1 draw in regular and extra time.
In Nairobi, fans thronged the Kenya National Archives and Documentation Services centre on Moi Avenue to catch the action live on giant screens erected by Nairobi City County.
Fans turn out in large numbers along Moi Avenue in Nairobi on August 22, 2025, to watch the CHAN clash between Harambee Stars and Madagascar.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
Other fan zones in Nairobi were located at Uhuru Park, Jacaranda Grounds, DCC Grounds in Kibera, at Lucky Summer in Kasarani, at Dandora Stadium, Utalii College Sports Grounds, Clay City Grounds in Githurai, and at Baba Dogo Play Grounds.
Kisumu’s Central Business District came alive as hundreds of football fans gathered to cheer the team at two fan zones located at the KCB and Kisumu Boys roundabouts.
Fans waved miniature flags, blew vuvuzelas, and broke into song when Kenya scored the first goal in the match.
Kenyan players react during their CHAN quarter finals match against Madagascar at Moi Internationals Sports Centre Kasarani on August 22, 2025.
Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group
“It was goosebumps from start to finish. Every pass and every miss made us hold our breath,” Raymond Ojwang, a football fan in Kisumu observed.
For some, the match carried emotional undertones beyond football.
“We wanted revenge against Madagascar. They failed to support Raila Odinga for the chairmanship of the African Union and voted for his opponent. Tonight, on the pitch, we showed them they made a mistake,” Caleb Asoka said.
But the excitement was not limited to the seasoned football faithful. For others, the quarter-final offered a rare introduction to the beautiful game.
“I don’t really understand football, but my husband insisted I join him,” said Jane Atieno, who admitted it was her first time watching a full 90 minutes.
“The celebrations, the shouting, the dancing, it gave me an emotion I’ve never felt before. Now I understand why people cry when a team loses or goes wild when it wins,” she said.
Meanwhile, in Homabay, football lovers experienced a different kind of magic at the newly constructed lakefront amphitheatre.
Football fans from Homa Bay watch a match between Kenya and Morocco at the amphitheater in Homa Bay Town on August 22, 2025.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor| Nation Media Group
Overlooking Lake Victoria, the open-air facility unveiled by President William Ruto during the 2025 Devolution Conference hosted hundreds who described the evening as unforgettable.
“It was my first time here and I can say the atmosphere is unmatched,” said Edward Odhiambo.
“Unlike crowded halls, the amphitheatre gives us fresh air, space to celebrate, and the chance to enjoy football together as a community. This space should be used for more events beyond football,” he said.
Harambee Stars fans at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani for the 2024 Chan quarter final match between Kenya and Madagascar.
Photo credit: Nation Media Group
Odhiambo added that the communal experience of watching football was more fulfilling than staying at home.
“At home, you argue over whether the remote children want cartoons, others want movies or news. But here, we all come together for one thing, and it unites us,” he stated.
Others praised the county government’s vision in rehabilitating the once swampy land to create a modern public space.
