No Stadium Kenya to play Afcon qualifier against Zimbabwe in Uganda

By The Star

• The September 4 tie will be staged in Uganda due to lack of a CAF certified stadium in Kenya.
• The problem cuts across Africa with over 25 countries lacking certified stadiums to host their CAF and FIFA matches.

NAIROBI: Kenya’s Harambee Stars will play their African Cup of Nations 2025 qualifier against Zimbabwe in Uganda on September 4 due to lack of a CAF certified stadium.

This comes barely a month after Sports PS Eng Peter Tum promised to have Nyayo stadium ready to host both the CAF continental and AFCON qualifiers.

However, Kenya’s main stadias Nyayo and and, Kasarani sports complex have been closed for renovations in preparation for CHAN 2025, and AFCON 2027, are not yet ready for use.

The problem cuts across Africa with over 25 countries lacking certified stadiums to host their CAF and FIFA matches.

This will see Stars play their third consecutive home match away from home, having played two World Cup 2026 qualifier matches against Burundi and Ivory Coast at the Bingu National stadium in Malawi in June.

Stars settled for 1-1 draw with Burundi before battling reigning Afcon champions Ivory Coast to a 0-0 draw in Malawi.

Captain Michael Olunga claimed lack of home fans in the foreign country led to them dropping points they would have easily picked at home.

“Our fans play a big part in supporting and motivating us during home matches. The home advantage also gives us the edge over our opponents hopefully we get Nyayo or Kasarani ready before the September Afcon qualfiers,” lamented a disappointment Olunga after the barren draw against the Ivorians.

Meanwhile, Namibia will also host Kenya in South Africa on September 10 in the second Afcon group J qualifier due to lack of certifed stadia in Windhoek.

In a communique sent by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), Police Sacco and Ulinzi pitches have been earmarked for renovations for CHAN 2025 and will soon become unavailable for FKF Premier League matches.

The federation has also encouraged clubs to explore Moi Stadium (Embu), Moi Kinoru Stadium (Meru), Kirigiti Stadium (Kiambu), Siaya Stadium (Siaya), Waiguru Stadium (Kirinyaga) and Mpesa Foundation Stadium (Thika) to host their home matches.

This development means Gor Mahia and Police FC will have to find alternative venues outside Kenya’s borders for their CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup qualifiers later this month.