Tanzanian songbird Zuchu, Savara light up Kasarani as thousands thrilled in Chan final

Fireworks rent the air as Tanzanian songbird Zuchu brought the roof down in Nairobi, where music met football at the historic Kasarani Stadium on Saturday.

Born Zuhura Othman 31 years ago, Zuchu was in her element as she belted tracks that drove the crowd crazy during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) crunch finals pitting the Islanders Madagascar and the Atlas Lions of Morocco.

Her biggest fans were mostly the Gen Z, who resonated well with her numbers that included, among others, Honey, Amanda, Utaniua, Litawachoma, and Sukari.

The frenzied crowd rose to their feet and outmanoeuvred each other with the latest dance moves in town; some could break the backs of very old entertainers.

The intense two-hour closing ceremony also featured Kenya's finest, Savara, Ugandan crooner Eddy Kenzo, and other local talents who sent the spectators into delirium.

"Honestly, I like Zuchu, but the whole party can not be complete without baba lao (king) Bien of Sauti Sol",  a football fan by the name Zulea underlined.

The live shows were blended well with local mixes that included ohangla genres, which made the whole stadium electric. If you were not here, then you missed.

From the dances to Mexican waves, jeers to cheers, the thumping of feet and ululations, the whole stadium was lit up with the fixture that left many shedding tears- either of joy or sorrow- depending on the side that one supported. 

Ahead of the adrenaline-filled encounter, fans trickled into the venue very early and took their strategic positions.

Many, who lacked tickets, were not allowed by the security guys near the stadium. They were encouraged by the authorities to proceed to the nearest available fan zones to watch the match.

Fan zones made available by the Government, where people could stay updated on the match, included Lucky Summer in Kasarani, the National Archives in the CBD, DC Grounds in Kibera, Githurai Grounds, and Jacaranda Grounds in Eastlands.

The day was also characterised by heavy traffic snarl-ups on the roads leading to Kasarani. They were either temporarily closed or had traffic diversions, which started as early as 6 am.

Notable affected routes included Nairobi CBD- Ruiru/ Juja/ Thika, the Thika Highway leading to Mwiki, the Thika/Juja/Ruiru leading to the Nairobi CBD, and the Nairobi CBD to Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, which was only accessible to those with vehicle access passes.

While the traffic inconvenienced many, it was indeed a blessing to other sectors like boda boda riders and food vendors who seized the opportunity to make a kill in their trade.

Security around Kasarani was tight as those who came for the match were well protected by the government forces on duty. Some roads were manned by policemen on horseback.

Medical personnel were also very alert and on standby to offer any needed assistance.

Marshals were all present at the stadium to direct fans who painted Kasarani red and white as they thronged the terraces for the match.

Before the kick-off, many fans put across their predictions for the clash, with former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama backing Morocco to carry the day.

"Chan has not only helped Kenya to unearth new talent, but has also given the country experience to tackle international fixtures. We will forever be grateful to the showpiece as it has exposed our emerging talents and has left us with brand new and refurbished pitches," Wanyama indicated.

"I think Morocco will carry this one home. No penalties, no extra time. They will lift the trophy in 90 minutes," Wanyama underscored.
Afande Cele, a staunch football enthusiast, reiterated that she was at the stadium to grant  Morocco the 'final push' to make away with the glittering gong.

"Adui leo ni Madagascar. (The enemy today is Madagascar.)They must fall!" She declared her passionate support for the Moroccans.
Just like Cele, Ken Opodi, a football fan from Mwiki, said his bet was with Morocco because 'they understood the assignment', referring to how the Atlas Lions smoked out  Tanzania's dream with a 1-0 victory in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Victor Riziki from Donholm, while stressing why he was behind Morocco with all his might, said he has not yet healed from the disallowed Ryan Ogam's goal against Madagascar that could have propelled Kenya to the semi-finals.

"Hiyo bao iliniuma sana, na hatujawahi ambiwa why it was ruled out.  ( The disallowed goal pained me a lot, and we have never been given a solid reason as to why it was cancelled.) Riziki narrated.

National basketball coach George Mayienga, who was also present at Kasarani to view the football spectacle, noted that he was backing Morocco because he felt the Atlas Lions were technically superior to their opponents.

"History favours them against Madagascar, but I know the latter will give their best in the match. I see Morocco lifting the cup for the third time," Mayienga highlighted.

Caroline Okello, who loves watching football and reading novels, gave out her reason for supporting Madagascar, stating, "I'd say Morocco, but I'm backing underdogs Madagascar. From my experience with football, underdogs always have a way of causing upsets in major tournaments like this."

The match was preceded by a high-level Confederation of African Football (CAF)  Ex-Co Meeting, held at a Nairobi hotel and chaired by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, which saw the continental federation honchos deliberate on ways in which the game can be grown and expanded in Africa.

They thanked East African Presidents William Ruto (Kenya), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) and Samia Suluhu ( Tanzania) for their collective effort to back the CHAN Pamoja bid that led to the successful hosting of the Africa premier football showpiece.

Top Fifa brass, led by Fifa President Gianni Infantino, also led 54 other FA Presidents in touring the Talanta Stadium in Nairobi that will host the African Cup of Nations in 2027, in conjunction with Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums.

Motsepe, Infantino and Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina were among the high-level global  leaders who joined Kenyan President Ruto at the VVIP pavilion at Kasarani to watch the final football battle that pitted Morocco and Madagascar