FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe have arrived in Nairobi ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) final at the Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani.
The football chiefs were received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport this morning, on August 30, by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed and other officials.
While this is Infantino's first-ever visit to Nairobi, he has previously met with FKF officials during the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco.
The final, set for 6 pm, is a much-anticipated clash between two-time champions Morocco and an ambitious Madagascar side.
The final will be attended by several dignitaries, with a government notice revealing the attendance of top leaders.
The match is also expected to be attended by Madagascar's president, Andry Rajoelina, as well as top government officials from the other two co-hosts of the tournament, Uganda and Tanzania.
Global Recognition
Mohammed said Infantino’s visit underscores the global recognition of Kenya’s successful hosting of the continental tournament.
“On behalf of the Kenyan football family, I warmly welcome FIFA President Gianni Infantino to Kenya for the first time, as we gear up for the CHAN 2024 final,” Mohammed said in a statement.
“Kenya has captured the hearts of the world with our successful hosting of this tournament. Today, we celebrate that achievement together.”
Infantino and Motsepe, will be joined by African football delegates and local officials at the finals.
Before the match, the closing ceremony will begin at 2 pm with Zuchu, Eddy Kenzo and Kenya’s Savara set to headline the performances.
The match concludes Kenya’s month-long co-hosting of the biennial continental tournament.
