Football fever reached a boiling point at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium on Sunday as thousands of eager fans stormed the gates ahead of the highly anticipated African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) match between Kenya and DR Congo.

Videos shared widely on social media, including by Citizen Digital, captured a mammoth crowd gathered outside the stadium, queuing for hours under the afternoon sun. Tensions rose when security barriers were eventually pushed down, allowing fans to flood into the venue from multiple access points. On-ground security personnel were quickly overwhelmed as the crowd surged past checkpoints, desperate to catch the action.

Despite the chaotic scenes outside, security within the 48,000-seat stadium remained firm, with orderly entry maintained once inside. Fans quickly filled the stands, creating an electrifying atmosphere ahead of the continental showdown.

Ticketing challenges were also a source of frustration for many. Reports indicate widespread public complaints, with some spectators alleging mismanagement and suggesting that the government was fast-tracking select groups of supporters to control stadium sentiments. However, the head of the local organising committee, Nicholas Musonye, stated that all tickets had sold out by Monday evening.

Kenya is co-hosting CHAN 2024 this August alongside Tanzania and Uganda, marking a significant milestone for East African football.