UEFA Champions League: Kenyan fans enjoy priceless viewing experience

Sauti Sol performing during Kenya's UCL final watch party at the carnivore grounds in Nairobi on Saturday night. [David Gichuru, Standard]

The fever pitch of the UEFA Champions League final pitting Italian giants Inter Milan FC and French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) gripped the world at the weekend with Kenyan fans not left behind in the global football extravaganza.

Twenty two Kenyans enjoyed a priceless trip to Munich where they watched the epic showdown next to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and among other icons, courtesy of Mastercard.

Ten winners also experienced a priceless moment at the iconic Amboseli National Park where they watched the showdown surrounded by Kenya's majestic wildlife and expansive landscapes. The winners also enjoyed a complimentary sunrise and hot air balloon ride.

About 30 fans were also flown to the iconic Amboseli National Park where they watched the showdown on the backdrop of Mt. Kilimanjaro, while gazing at the beautiful snow peaks in the night, mind-blowing them with the beauty, passion and nature of mother Africa.

In Nairobi, hundred of fans had a similar experience, watching the finals that proved so one sided, resulting to a 5-0 victory for the ultimate champions PSG.

The Nairobi event also featured immersive activations, interactive fan zones and live entertainments, culminating in an electric live performance by Bien, one of Kenya's most celebrated musical artists, reinforcing Mastercard's promise to create meaningful connections through its UEFA sponsorship.

"Football goes beyond the ninety minutes. It's about the shared moments and the emotions that bring us together. Our collaboration with UEFA allows us to craft experiences that go beyond the ordinary and resonate with fans across the region," said Shehryar Ali, Senior Vice President and Country Manager, East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, Mastercard.

Ali said the UCL final viewing experience helped Kenyan fans to enjoy their African football heritage, highlighting inspiration from Moroccan right back Achraf Hakimi who was the only African in the starting line up of the crunch final.

During the encounter, Hakimi opened the score sheet for the ruthless PSG in the 11th minute.

"I would love to have Hakimi coming to Kenya to inspire and motivate Kenyan fans, this is a part of our bucket list," Ali underlined.

" We would also love to bring our global ambassador Lionel Messi to the country, we will see how to put a program together that is effective on this," Ali

Stated.

"In 2023, we flew in former Super Eagles captain and Everton Centre back Joseph Yobo who had constructive engagement with fans, and we would love to have such a similar experience.

" We plan to make these viewing experiences bigger and better in the future," Ali added.