By Spy Uganda
Football lovers will have to wait longer to watch Harambee Stars play their Afcon qualifiers within the Kenyan borders after Football Kenya Federation CEO Barry Otieno confirmed that Kenya will play its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Zimbabwe in Uganda next month.
This is because no Kenyan stadium meets the standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host high-magnitude matches.
Both Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani have been closed for renovations.
However, as it stands, Nyayo did not impress the CAF inspectors who visited last month, as Kenya prepares to host the 2025 African Nations Championships (CHAN) in January 2025, alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
After watching Police FC play to a barren draw against Ethiopian Coffee FC in the CAF Confederations Cup first leg at Nyayo stadium yesterday, fans expected to witness the Stars take on the brave warriors on September 4, 2024
Kenyans will have to make the long trip to Uganda to watch their team play their third consecutive home match away from home, having played two World Cup 2026 qualifiers at the Bingu National Stadium in Malawi.
The Stars settled for a 1-1 draw with Burundi before battling African champions Ivory Coast to a 0-0 draw in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Barry says they wish the Stars would play at home to ensure they get the home advantage.
“Playing at home motivates players as they battle opponents confidently in front of their loved ones, and the environment is also friendly, which motivates them a lot, but our hands are tied,” Barry said.
While Kenya lags in terms of preparations for CHAN 2025 and Afcon 2027, our neighbours Uganda and Tanzania have two stadiums each approved by CAF.
Otieno ascertains that the government is committed to finishing the renovations, urging Kenyans to be patient and understanding as the African Bonanza comes home in 2027.
“We urge all Kenyans to understand and allow the contractors to complete the renovation. Once they are done we will have good stadiums and improve our chances of hosting competitions in future,” the football administrator said.
Meanwhile, Namibia will also host Kenya in South Africa on September 10 in the second Afcon 2025 qualifier.
The problem cuts across Africa, with more than 25 countries lacking certified stadiums to host their CAF and FIFA matches.
Kenya missed the last two editions of the Afcon in Cameroon 2022, and Ivory Coast 2024 and must navigate through a tough group J comprising Cameroon, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, to book their ticket to Morocco 2025.
