Fans light up Kasarani as Harambee Stars edge out DR Congo's Leopards

Austin Oduor celebrates after beating DR Congo at the eighth edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN). [Stafford Ondego, Standard] The new look Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani Stadium was the place to be yesterday. The 48,000 capacity sporting cathedral was thronged by fans from all walks of life. The spectators stated arriving at the newly refurbished football arena as early as 7 am, to watch the national team Harambee Stars take on two-time champions, the Leopards of DR Congo, in their opening fixture of the eighth edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN). Fans arrived from all directions as they filled up the new-look Kasarani Stadium. They chanted, cheered and jeered as they gathered in groups awaiting frisking from hawk eyed security personnel who ensured law and order was maintained. "I'm fully behind Kenya, we have come here to teach the Congolese a lesson, we will beat them 2-0," Gor Mahia ardent fan and Harambee Stars enthusiastic supporter Tom Bwana, who came with his son, told Standard Sports. "I want to tell our rivals that let's meet at the podium, we will reach the finals and win this cup," Bwana declared. "We have good players and a top coach who is also up to the task in this championship," he said. Fans with VIP tickets but no vehicle access boarded shuttles from the nearby Garden City Mall to gain their entry into Kasarani Stadium. Those with regular tickets and on matatus had to walk long distance to access the stadium. Earlier on, along City Hallway in the Nairobi Central Business District, a group of spectators on high end motorbikes did daredevil stunts with scantily dressed girls at the back, depicting the camaraderie and boisterous nature of the D Day of the crunch tie. On the roads leading to Kasarani, fans waved flags as they raced along Thika Super Highway on charged adrenaline. But this ecstatic mood was curtailed by the security officers who manned both inside and outside the stadium- on foot, on horses and on helicopters. Once thoroughly frisked, the spectators, who carried miniature Kenyan flags while others adorned jerseys and attires depicting national flag colours, swiped their tickets on various gates to gain entry. Once inside, they light up the stadium with songs, dance and the very impressive Mexican waves. "Benni McCarthy we love you," an ardent fan declared on a placard he conspicuously displayed to the ecstatic crowd. Thrilling entertainment deafened the air before the match and at half time, with Ohangla king Prince Indah and the nostalgic Fifa 2010 World Cup numbers- 'Waving flag' and 'Waka waka' dominating the sound waves. At one point, a section of charged spectators engaged in heated banter on the Sh1 million promised to each of the Harambee Stars players by President William Ruto if they win each of the matches. And the verdict? Stars will beat everyone, reach the finals and make away with the Sh600 million that was pledged by the President. While others came at the venue draped in national team colours, other Kenyans use the occasion to showcase their Sunday best, or rather their Christmas best, by the way they dressed. For the first time, it was proper to say that Kenyan football was very safe for women and children as couples and families used the occasion for a day out and also for picnic. Food vendors both in and out of the stadium also made a kill. And for the first time, the historic stadium looked in good condition from the field of play, the pristine grass, cool VIP lounge, clean toilets, wonderful canopy, mesmerising Media Tribune, comfortable seats and organised seating arrangement. Two giant screens on either side of the goal posts were utilised. The booming speakers within the sporting cathedral were so clear, making the announcers very audible. At the VIP sections, President Ruto led other government and international dignitaries in cheering the stars on the pitch.

Fans light up Kasarani as Harambee Stars edge out DR Congo's Leopards

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Fans light up Kasarani as Harambee Stars edge out DR Congo's Leopards

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