Mombasa has unveiled six official fan zones where residents will gather to support the Harambee Stars as they face Madagascar in the quarterfinals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said the venues include Changamwe Grounds in Changamwe, Uwanja wa Mbuzi in Nyali, Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mvita, Shell Beach in Likoni, Bangladesh Grounds in Jomvu and Bilima Ground in Kisauni.

He urged fans to turn out in large numbers to cheer the national team and embrace the celebratory mood.

“From every corner of our county, fans are gathering at our official watch parties tomorrow to cheer on the Harambee Stars as they battle Madagascar in the CHAN 2024 quarterfinals.

The energy is electric, the spirit is high, and together we are united behind our boys! Let’s paint the night red, green, black, and white. Victory is ours to claim. Tupatane ground,” Abdulswamad wrote on X.

The governor noted that beyond rallying support for the team, the initiative is designed to promote unity, community spirit and safe public celebrations during the high-stakes clash.

The Harambee Stars, who have impressed with their performance in the tournament, are eyeing a semi-final spot, and thousands of fans in Mombasa are expected to attend the fan zones to watch the game.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved an increase in seating capacity at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, allowing 38,400 fans to attend the match.

This comes after 27,000 fans witnessed Kenya’s 1-0 victory over Zambia last weekend, a win that secured their place in the quarterfinals.

For those unable to access tickets, watch parties have also been set up in Nairobi at Uhuru Park, Jacaranda Grounds in Embakasi, DC Grounds in Kibera, Safari Rally Grounds in Kasarani, Dandora Stadium, Utalii Sports Grounds in Ruaraka, Pand Pieri Grounds in Githurai and Baba Dogo Grounds in Baba Dogo.

Kiambu County has added four more fan zones in Kikuyu and Kiambu bus parks, Githunguri Stadium and Christina Gardens in Thika.

“We intend to bring the excitement and fun of watching Harambee Stars’ continued winning streak closer to the people, especially those who are not able to get to Kasarani Stadium,” said Kiambu Sports CEC Osman Korar.

Kenya will face Madagascar at 3:00 pm East African Time on Friday.

Later in the day, Tanzania will play two-time champions Morocco. On Saturday, Sudan takes on Algeria at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, while Uganda plays Senegal at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.

Winners of the quarterfinal ties will advance to the semi-finals set for August 26 and 27, with the final scheduled for Saturday, August 30, 2025.