CHAN ticket chaos: Fans outraged as Kenya-Zambia tickets sold out before sales opened
The ticketing row follows an incident on Sunday in which hundreds of Kenyan fans were denied entry into the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, despite holding what appeared to be valid tickets for the Kenya versus Morocco match.
Questions and frustrations have erupted in Kenya following concerns that tickets for the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) matches were sold out before the official sales portal opened.
In particular, attention has turned to the Kenya versus Zambia clash set for Sunday, August 17, 2025, after the official portal, chan.mookh.com, showed tickets would go on sale on Monday, August 11 at midnight, only for fans to later discover they had already been marked as sold out on Sunday, August 10 at 9:00 pm.
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One fan, who attempted to buy his ticket on Sunday, August 10, at 7:11 pm, said he was denied because sales had not opened, only to find hours later that they were already gone.
Initially, the portal displayed the message: “Tickets coming soon! Sales start on August 11, 2025, at midnight.”
“I tried buying tickets for the Zambia vs Kenya game on August 10 at 7:11 pm, and I was told to wait until August 12. Then, later the same night at 9:12 pm, I was told sales had ended at 9:00 pm. What kind of behaviour is this? You talk about digital ticketing, but all tickets are going out the back door,” he lamented.
Other supporters raised similar complaints, pointing to contradictions in the sales schedule.
Obiero Patrick, another fan, said: “I tried to buy a ticket for Kenya vs Zambia on Saturday, but it declined and indicated the site would be open on the 11th, that’s today, but it seems they were already sold yesterday.”
Concerns also emerged over possible bulk buying.
“Who are the people buying tickets in bulk? We need the portal to be set so it shows who bought how many tickets, so we can follow closely,” one fan suggested.
Some questioned whether the tickets were ever made fully available to the public.
“They say tickets are purchased online, but we see almost everyone with physical tickets, some being given out at Jacaranda like peanuts,” Henry Tins said.
“It’s something they can’t even comment on.”
The confusion was further compounded by shifting sale dates. Several fans reported that the portal indicated tickets would be available on August 11 at 7:00 pm, while others said it noted August 12 at 7:00 pm.
“This ticketing is what’s bringing problems. How do you tell us sales start on August 10 at 7:00 pm, then at the time you say it will start on the 12th, and hours later you say they’re sold out? As much as we want fans in the stadium, that place can be full without this nonsense,” Joseph Okwisia said.
The ticketing row follows an incident on Sunday in which hundreds of Kenyan fans were denied entry into the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, despite holding what appeared to be valid tickets for the Kenya versus Morocco match.
Fans said they were turned away after being told their tickets had already been scanned. Many believe the problem stems from individuals buying tickets in bulk and reselling them to multiple unsuspecting buyers.
“There are people selling us fake tickets,” Anthony Ochieng, a supporter, said.
Another fan, John Ngui, claimed: “There are people who buy many tickets and don’t even attend the game.”
Some victims reported paying between Sh300 and Sh1,000 for the counterfeit passes. On match days, the resale market outside Kasarani is reported to be thriving, with rogue vendors openly offering tickets.
Regular tickets are being priced at Sh200, VIP at Sh500 and VVIP at Sh1,000, with each ticket valid for a single match during the month-long tournament.
As tensions rose, a number of frustrated supporters resorted to jumping over the perimeter fence to enter the stadium illegally. Despite a heavy security presence, several managed to breach the venue, causing a near stampede.
The breach has drawn concern from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which has already fined the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Sh2.5 million for poor crowd control and warned of harsher sanctions if similar incidents occur during the tournament.
Nevertheless, the atmosphere shifted when the Harambee Stars team bus arrived, with jubilant fans chanting and waving in support. Their faith was rewarded as Kenya defeated Morocco to secure three crucial points.
Kenya will face Zambia in their final group-stage match next Sunday. Tournament matches are being held at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums in Kenya, Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania, Mandela National Stadium in Uganda, and Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Fans have now called on CAF and FKF to explain how tickets are being sold out before the official opening times and to address bulk buying, fraud and inconsistencies in the online portal.
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