Kenya Cleared to Host First Home Match Against Gabon Since 2023

Kenyan supporters will have the chance to witness their national team in action when they clash with Gabon on March 22nd in their qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup at the newly refurbished Nyayo Stadium.

Due to ongoing renovations at both Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums, the Harambee Stars were unable to utilise these venues. In fact, the last time Kenya played a home game was on September 12th, 2023, losing 1-0 to South Sudan in a friendly.

Since that defeat, Kenya has participated in 21 matches across various competitions, including friendly matches, AFCON, and World Cup qualifiers, without playing on home soil. During the World Cup qualifying rounds, Kenya temporarily adopted Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi, as their home ground for Group F fixtures against Burundi and Ivory Coast.

In Malawi, Kenya began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Burundi and followed it up with a goalless draw against the reigning African champions. Prior to these matches, they endured two away games in the qualifiers: a 2-1 loss to Gabon followed by a commanding 5-0 victory over Seychelles.

With the AFCON qualifiers on the horizon, Kenya, drawn in Group J alongside Cameroon, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, opted to host their home fixture in Uganda at Nelson Mandela Stadium.

They opened by facing the Warriors of Zimbabwe, resulting in a 0-0 stalemate, before succumbing to Cameroon 4-1. Kenya concluded their home campaign against Namibia’s Brave Warriors at Peter Mokaba Stadium in South Africa, with another goalless draw.

Regrettably, Kenya did not progress from the group stage, as Cameroon emerged as group winners and Zimbabwe claimed second place, earning both teams a spot in the 35th edition of the tournament set in Morocco.

Amid the World Cup and AFCON qualifiers, Kenya also engaged in the qualifying round for the 2024 CHAN competition, co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, facing off against South Sudan.

The first leg took place at Juba National Stadium, where the Bright Stars triumphed 2-0. Kenya then played their home match in Uganda, managing a 1-1 draw but ultimately losing 3-1 on aggregate.

Kenya to host Gabon match at Nyayo Stadium

Musonye, the LOC chairman, announces that the Gabon qualifier will serve as a trial event for the 2024 CHAN.

“We’ve made substantial progress with our preparations, with Kasarani moving forward effectively and Nyayo maintaining a good pace. As a test run, I’m pleased to confirm that Nyayo will host the Kenya versus Gabon World Cup qualifier,” Nicholas Musonye, Chairman of Kenya’s CHAN/AFCON Local Organising Committee (LOC), stated to Flashcore.

A high-level Confederation of African Football (CAF) delegation, headed by Samson Adamu, the CAF Director of Tournaments and Events, recently completed a two-day inspection tour, affirming that the qualifier will be held at Nyayo Stadium.

Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed, who also serves as vice-chairman of Kenya’s Local Organising Committee for the 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), confirmed that plans are in place for additional test matches at Nyayo Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, which is slated to host the CHAN tournament from August 2nd to August 30th as well as the 2027 AFCON fixtures.

Currently, Kenya’s Harambee Stars sit fourth in Group F of the qualifiers, collecting five points from four matches, trailing behind Ivory Coast (10 points), Gabon (nine), and Burundi (seven).

The remaining teams in the group include Gambia, with three points, and Seychelles, yet to earn any points. The winners of the nine groups comprising six teams each will qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals across the USA, Mexico, and Canada, alongside the four best group runners-up advancing to a playoff round with teams from other confederations to determine additional qualifiers.

CAF praises Kenya’s swift action

During his recent visit, Adamu, who conducted a similar inspection of Nairobi in January, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made, commending the Kenyan organisers for their warm hospitality and commitment to meeting deadlines.

“I’d like to thank Kenya for their unwavering dedication to ensuring the tournament is a success,” Adamu commented. “There was considerable excitement surrounding the CHAN draw held in Nairobi.”

“Kudos to Kenya for the substantial advancements made since January, indicating that progress has continued despite the tournament’s postponement (from February to August),” he added.

As part of their tour, the CAF delegation reviewed competition venues at Nyayo and Kasarani, in addition to training facilities at Kasarani Annex, Ulinzi Sports Complex, and Police Sacco Stadium, where they were impressed by the improvements made.

At Kasarani, the team observed the arrival of materials for the stadium’s canopy, floodlights, and electronic scoreboards. At Nyayo Stadium, one of four new floodlights has been installed, and work is progressing on the remaining units.

The playing surface, change rooms, and media tribune are prepared and set to be tested during the Gabon match. Adamu also revealed that CAF will involve members of Kenya’s CHAN/AFCON Local Organising Committee in various CAF competitions, including the Under-17 and Under-20 Cup of Nations tournaments in Morocco and Ivory Coast, respectively, as well as other inter-club competitions, providing them with valuable exposure and experience.

“We appreciate CAF for this opportunity. It is crucial for Kenya’s technical and management officials to acquire high-level organisational skills and maintain a legacy for Kenya well beyond the CHAN and AFCON tournaments,” remarked Myke Rabar, the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya’s CHAN/AFCON Local Organising Committee.

Rabar further noted that comprehensive tournament operations will commence on March 1st, with media, outdoor advertising, and promotional campaigns kicking off on April 1st.

Within the CHAN tournament, Kenya has been placed in Group A alongside Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, and Angola.

Adamu and the CAF delegation, which included infrastructure and pitch consultants Stephanie Tokotra and Andrew Culbert, are currently visiting Uganda on Tuesday and Wednesday, before proceeding to Tanzania and Zanzibar on Thursday and Friday.

In Uganda, they’ll evaluate the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, and training venues at Kampala International School, Kadiba Training Ground, and Mutesa II Stadium.

In Zanzibar, the Amaan Stadium and Amaan Annex Training Grounds will be assessed, while in Tanzania, the CAF team will inspect the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and the training facilities at Gymkhana Club, Law School, and Maj. Gen. Isamuhyo Stadium.