FIFA President Gianni Infantino has arrived in Nairobi for the first time to attend the final of the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), a moment being described as historic for Kenyan football.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed said Infantino’s visit is a sign of global recognition of Kenya’s successful hosting of the 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 will be joined by Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe, top African football officials and local leaders at the finals. The match will wrap up a month of action in the biennial championship, which Kenya has co-hosted alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
FKF said the presence of football’s most senior leaders reflects confidence in Kenya’s ability to host major international events.
“The Football Kenya Federation is honoured to welcome FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, and football leaders from across the continent to Nairobi for the CHAN 2024 final,” FKF noted. “Kenya has proudly captured the hearts of Africa and the world with our successful hosting of this tournament, and today we stand tall as the continent unites in our capital city.”
Infantino has led FIFA for nearly ten years. In 2023, he made a surprise appearance at the opening of the African Football League in Tanzania, where over 60,000 fans turned up. Although he had not visited Kenya before, he recently met FKF President Mohammed during the CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco.
The grand finale of CHAN 2024 will take place on Saturday at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Defending champions Morocco will be looking for a record third title, while debutants Madagascar are hoping to complete their fairytale run.
Fans will also be treated to a colourful closing ceremony with performances by Ugandan star Eddy Kenzo, Tanzanian singer Zuchu and Kenya’s Savara, showcasing the cultural pride of the three co-host nations.
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