Tanzania has dismissed claims that Kenyan fans purchased all tickets for the CHAN 2024 quarter-final against Morocco, assuring supporters that there are plenty of seats available at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Government Spokesperson Gerson Musigwa addressed the issue during a press briefing, calling the reports “completely false” and urging fans not to worry. He emphasized that Tanzanians would have no problem accessing the stadium for Friday night’s clash.
“Our people who are talking as if tomorrow’s match concerns them have started spreading rumours,” Musigwa said. “I want to reassure Tanzanians that the story claiming all tickets for Benjamin Mkapa Stadium have been sold is not true. Not true at all.”
He added that the government had taken steps to ensure order and capacity at the stadium. “When you come to the stadium, you will get in. There are plenty of spaces, so do not worry. They talk a lot because they fear us. But we say let it rain if it rains.”
The comments came after some Kenyan fans posted online suggesting they had bought tickets not to support Tanzania, but to back Morocco and deny local supporters entry. The lighthearted rivalry quickly escalated into regional banter, with memes, jokes, and predictions flooding social media.
Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen even joined in, joking about the issue while speaking at a fundraiser for Premier League newcomers APS Bomet. “I congratulate all Kenyans who have bought Tanzanian tickets,” he said with a laugh. “Please make sure you travel and go and support Morocco at Benjamin Mkapa.”
Murkomen went on to say he would welcome a Kenya versus Tanzania final in Nairobi, calling it a thrilling prospect. He even added a playful Kiswahili twist: “We’ll play in English, our game,” a remark that stirred lively reactions online.
The CHAN quarter-finals are now firmly set. Kenya will face Madagascar at 3:00 pm EAT at Kasarani Stadium, while Tanzania will meet two-time champions Morocco at 8:00 pm EAT at Benjamin Mkapa. On Saturday, Sudan takes on Algeria in Zanzibar, while Uganda will host Senegal in Kampala.
Winners will advance to the semi-finals scheduled for August 26 and 27, with the final set for Saturday, August 30, 2025. The build-up has shown that CHAN is more than football—it has become a showcase of regional pride.
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