The TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 took a unexpected twist as football fans overpowered stewards and police, broke barriers to enter Kasarani Stadium ahead of the Kenya-DRC match.

Harambee Stars will be hosting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for their first match of the competition at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Stadium, from 3 pm.

According to a Julisha.co.ke reporter, the agitated fans forced their way into the venue, Ignoring an earlier directive that entry was by ticket only, despite heavy police deployed on the main gates to ensure adherence.

Kenyan fans blamed politicians for the lack of tickets at Kasarani, claiming they bought in bulk, locking out football fans.

We will keep you updated on more developments as the story unfolds...

Meanwhile, CHAN Local Organising Committee released a list of banned items in stadia.

Several categories of items will not be allowed past stadium entrances during CHAN 2024 fixtures. The move is intended to minimise potential risks, promote fan comfort, and guarantee the smooth running of matches.

Among the banned items are noise-making and cheering devices, including vuvuzelas, drums, whistles, megaphones, and loudspeakers. While such tools are commonly used to energise stadiums, organisers have cited the need for clear emergency communication and crowd control as the reason for their restriction.

Weapons and dangerous objects, including firearms (replicas), knives, sharp or bladed tools, fireworks, flares, explosives, gas canisters, and other flammable or incendiary materials, are not allowed.

In the list are offensive or political materials, banners, flags, or signs bearing political, religious, racial, or discriminatory language or imagery. Outside or takeaway food and beverages are not permitted. All sorts of animals are not allowed in stadiums as well.

The much-anticipated tournament kicked off on Saturday, August 2, in Tanzanian as Taifa Stars registered a 2-0 win, and will run through August 30, 2025, across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.