Table of Contents
- Tanzania vs Morocco tickets is the latest push and pull between Kenyans and Tanzanians
- The two countries have had a tense relationship in the past few months
- Much of it stems from political reasons
Tanzania vs Morocco tickets is the latest push and pull between Kenyans and Tanzanians, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is at a crossroads.
The two countries have had a tense relationship in the past few months. Much of it stems from political reasons.
A few weeks back, the Tanzanian government banned all Kenyans from running their micro small businesses, a move that angered Kenyans.
Before this decision, Tanzania had increased taxes for a range of Kenyan goods, another move that rubbed Kenyans the wrong way.
Lastly, the detention and torture of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi two months ago by the Tanzanian police widened the rift between the two countries.
With the upcoming Morocco vs Tanzania match at the African Nations Championship 2024 (CHAN 2024), Kenyans are getting back at President Samia Suluhu.
Why are Kenyans Involved in Tanzania vs Morocco Tickets Controversy?
Harambee Stars fans at the Kasarani Stadium during a match against Morocco. Stars beat Morocco’s Atlas Lions 1-0 despite the high hopes the Lions had in winning the match. Photo/William Ruto
Sabotage by Kenyan football fans is behind Tanzania vs Morocco tickets controversy. Kenyans flooded CAF’s ticketing portal, and bought all tickets for the quarter-final match between the Atlas Lions and Taifa Stars.
The likely scenario will be an empty Mkapa Stadium during the match. A home crowd is an important aspect for football teams.
However, Tanzania is likely to miss out on this as Kenyans bought tickets to the match in plenty. VIP tickets cost Ksh150, a quarter of the price of the same ticket category in Kenya.
Tanzania President asked CHAN to take action against Kenya, citing that Kenyan fans bought all the tickets to humiliate Tanzania.
Suluhu warned Kenyans against crossing boundaries, noting that she wouldn’t tolerate such insolence again, as it manifested in the Tanzania vs Morocco tickets fiasco.
“Wakenya ifike mahali mjue mipaka yenu, kwani mnatudhalilisha kwa kununua tikiti uwanja wa Mkapa na mnajua kabisa hamkuji. Naomba CHAN iwachukulie hatua Kenya kwa utovuu huu wa nidhamu. Sisi ndio majirani wenu wa karibu kabisa na tunashirikiana kwa pamoja kufanikisha mashindano haya ya CHAN.Kwa nini mnataka kumsupport jirani wa mbali (Morroco), hii ni kejeli kwetu sisi! Mnataka tuonekane kwamba sisi hatuna uwezo wa kuandaa AFCON pa 2027 ili muandae nyie,” she said in a presser.
It loosely translates to: “Kenyans, it’s about time you learned your limits, because you are embarrassing us by buying tickets for Mkapa Stadium when you clearly know you won’t attend. I ask CHAN to take disciplinary action against Kenya for this lack of discipline. We are your closest neighbors, and we are working together to make this CHAN tournament a success. Why do you want to support a distant neighbor (Morocco)? This is an insult to us! You want to make it look like we are incapable of hosting AFCON 2027 so that you can host it instead.”
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu with Taifa Stars. Photo/CECAFA Football
Why Did Kenyans Buy all Tickets for Tanzania Vs Morocco Match?
Kenyans bought Tanzania vs Morocco tickets to prove a point to the Tanzanian government for its past humiliation against Kenyans.
Here is what Kenyans had to say:
“Walianza vita na wendawazimu, it will end badly and not for us,” Commissioner Ole.
“We want the stadium to be empty, no fans, we will not go,” Joseph Makumi Munga said.
“They started it I wonder if they will stand Kenyans better give up now or,” Mafegi stated.
Dan Silah said that: “I want Morocco to defeat Tanzania but I want us to meet with Tanzania at the finals, what am I even saying.”
