Kenya vs Madagascar: Tickets Demand Skyrockets Ahead of CHAN 2024 Quarterfinal

Ticket website operated Mookh platform crashed shortly after tickets for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-final between Kenya and Madagascar began, leaving thousands of fans stranded.

The eagerly awaited clash, scheduled for Friday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi from 5pm (EAT), has sparked massive interest across the country. Fans rushed online from noon Tuesday to secure tickets, but overwhelming demand paralyzed the system.

“Mark your calendar! Sales start on August 19, 2025, at 12pm,” the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had earlier announced through its official website.

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Yet within minutes of going live, many fans complained they could not access the portal, raising fears of a repeat of past ticketing chaos.

The issue comes against the backdrop of strict measures imposed on Football Kenya Federation (FKF) after security breaches in earlier group matches.

CAF fined FKF a staggering Sh12.8 million for incidents where ticketless fans forced their way into Kasarani.

Following a particularly chaotic clash between Kenya and Morocco on August 10, CAF capped Kasarani’s capacity to 27,000, down from its full 48,000-seat potential.

“Failure to implement these measures will lead to more serious sanctions, including finding alternative venues for Harambee Stars’ home matches,” CAF warned FKF in a strongly worded statement.

Despite the hike in ticket prices — with regular tickets now selling at Sh250, up from Sh200 — demand has remained sky-high.

“I’ve been trying since noon but the website just keeps crashing. I don’t want to miss this match because it’s history in the making,” said James Mwangi, a fan from Nairobi, voicing the frustrations of many supporters.

National broadcasters have urged supporters to buy tickets early, stressing that once sold out, only fan zones across the city will be available for those without access to the stadium.

For the Harambee Stars, the clash against Madagascar is more than just a quarterfinal; it represents an opportunity to break new ground.

Kenya has never reached the semifinals of the CHAN tournament, and buoyed by strong performances in the group stage, coach Benni McCarthy's side is determined to make history.

“Kenya is in form, and this is our moment to prove ourselves. Madagascar is tough, but the Stars will rise,” said former international Musa Otieno, now a respected pundit.

Madagascar, however, is no pushover. The island nation has built a reputation for resilience and surprise upsets in continental tournaments. Analysts say the clash will be one of the sternest tests yet for Kenya.