This archive report was first published on 28 August 2019.
Published on August 28, 2019, the ripple effect of Kenya's lack of standardised stadiums is beginning to be felt.
Harambee Starlets, the national women's football team, will face Malawi in the return leg fixture of the 2020 Olympics Qualifiers, but they will do so without the support of their fans in Machakos.
The match, initially scheduled for Kasarani Stadium, has been moved to Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos due to the unavailability of Kasarani, Kenya's largest sporting facility.
However, Kenyatta Stadium has been banned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) from hosting any international match, and the temporary approval for the venue comes with a condition: the match must be played behind closed doors.
Starlets, who began their Olympics qualifiers campaign away in Blantyre, will miss the support of their fans in Machakos.
The winners on aggregate in the two-legged tie will face either Gabon or Ghana in the next round.
Kenya's stadium shortage is not a new issue, and it has affected several teams, including record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia and domestic Cup champions Bandari.
“Concerning the request received on August 1, 2019, in order to temporarily use Machakos Stadium for the matches involving Gor Mahia FC (CAF CL Preliminaries) on August 24-25, 2019, and the Senior National Women Team (Olympics Qualifiers) on September 1, 2019, please note that CAF decided to approve your request,” read part of a letter sent to Football Kenya Federation from CAF.
“However, due to the fact that the stadium is not an approved stadium, please note that both matches must be played behind closed doors.”
