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Harambee Stars' crucial AFCON qualifier will be played behind closed doors with no fans allowed in the stadium.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has surprisingly announced that no fans will be allowed into the Nelson Mandela Stadium on Monday, October 14 for the Harambee Stars' crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Cameroon.
The decision to play the match behind closed doors comes as Kenya faces the challenge of using a neutral stadium in Uganda, given that no stadium in Kenya currently meets the required standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA to host international matches.
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19:42 - 02.10.2024
Harambee Stars set to learn rivals in 2025 CHAN qualifiers draw next week
Harambee Stars will discover their group opponents for the 2025 CHAN qualifiers as they prepare to co-host the tournament.
In a statement released on Wednesday, FKF confirmed that the second leg of the double-header against Cameroon will be held at Uganda's Mandela National Stadium, but without any spectators present.
"The second match in Kampala will be played behind closed doors," read part of the statement.
The decision contrasts sharply with last month when Harambee Stars played Zimbabwe at the same venue and allowed fans to attend including many Kenyans residing in Uganda or traveling for the match.
The first leg of the double-header is set for Friday, October 11 at the Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, before the teams meet again three days later in Uganda.
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15:04 - 02.10.2024
Okumu, Olunga, Odada headline Harambee Stars squad for 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has announced a 28-man provisional squad for crucial AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon.
Kenya has been forced to host its international matches abroad due to the lack of a CAF-approved stadium in the country.
The last competitive home game for Harambee Stars was a 2-1 victory over Rwanda in November 2021 at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.
Despite efforts to improve the state of football facilities in the country, none of the local venues currently meet CAF or FIFA accreditation standards.
The decision to play without fans in the upcoming match is seen as a significant blow to both the team and supporters, especially given the vital importance of the game.
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16:08 - 02.10.2024
Zak Vyner and other big absentees from Firat's squad for 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Cameroon
The six notable absentees from Harambee Stars provisional squad for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against troubled Cameroon.
Harambee Stars are currently leading Group J with four points after two matches, following a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe and a 2-1 victory over Namibia in South Africa.
Cameroon, their next opponents, are level on points with Kenya after defeating Namibia 1-0 and drawing goalless against Zimbabwe.
With both teams eager to secure one of the top two spots in the group and qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco, these back-to-back encounters could prove decisive in determining their fate.
Kenya will be looking to make a return to the continental competition, having last participated in the 2019 edition in Cairo, Egypt.
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16:20 - 02.10.2024
Senegal sack AFCON-winning coach Aliou Cisse after disappointing run
The reign of Aliou Cisse as Senegal's head coach ends after underwhelming results despite historic AFCON success in 2022.
Despite the challenges, Harambee Stars will be hoping to build on their solid start to the qualifiers and continue their march toward the 2025 AFCON.
The absence of fans could dampen the atmosphere in Kampala, but the team’s focus will remain firmly on securing a positive result.
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