The CHAN Final in Nairobi has attracted global attention, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino set to attend the historic event at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday, August 30. He will be joined by CAF President Patrice Motsepe and 54 football association presidents, underlining the tournament’s growing importance.
The high-stakes showdown between Morocco and Madagascar has become more than just a football match. It has turned into a celebration of East African unity, passion, and preparation for even bigger football stages ahead.
Infantino Attends CHAN Final in Nairobi
Football fans across East Africa are gearing up for the CHAN Final at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino will add global weight to the already thrilling event.
He will arrive alongside CAF boss Patrice Motsepe and a host of football association leaders from across Africa. President William Ruto, Raila Odinga, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Sports CS Salim Mvurya, and FKF President Hussein Mohammed are also expected to attend.
The attendance of such high-profile figures makes this one of the most significant football occasions Kenya has hosted in recent years.
What Infantino’s Attendance Means
Infantino’s visit is symbolic for Kenya. The country’s football leadership has faced turbulence in recent years, with FKF dogged by governance issues and FIFA suspensions. His decision to attend signals renewed trust in Kenya’s football administration.
This year’s CHAN has also been more than a tournament. It has acted as a rehearsal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. Infantino’s presence can be seen as an endorsement that Kenya is on track to successfully stage continental competitions, and perhaps even future global events.
For Infantino, this will be his first official trip to Kenya since becoming FIFA President nearly a decade ago. His last visit to East Africa was in 2023, when he surprised fans at the African Football League opener in Tanzania, which drew more than 60,000 spectators.
His prior interaction with FKF President Hussein Mohammed at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech had already hinted at closer ties between FIFA and Kenya. His arrival in Nairobi further confirms this.
Morocco and Madagascar Set for CHAN Final Showdown
On the pitch, Morocco and Madagascar are preparing for a battle of contrasting stories in the CHAN Final.
Morocco, the defending champions, are chasing a record-extending third title. Their journey included a tense semi-final against Senegal, which they won 5-3 on penalties. Earlier, they knocked out Tanzania in the quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 win. They had secured their place in the knockouts by finishing second in Group A behind hosts Kenya.
Madagascar, on the other hand, has been the surprise package of the tournament. The island nation finished second in Group B before eliminating Kenya in a dramatic penalty shootout in the quarter-finals. They later edged Sudan 1-0 after extra time in Dar es Salaam to reach their first-ever CHAN final.
For Madagascar, victory would complete a fairytale run. For Morocco, a win would cement their dominance in the tournament’s history.
Ahead of kick-off, an elaborate closing ceremony will light up Kasarani. Fans have been urged to arrive at least three hours before the match to avoid missing the festivities.
