Tanzanian Government Spokesperson Gerson Musigwa / Archives
The Tanzanian government has dismissed false and misleading reports that Kenyans are buying tickets in large numbers to participate in the upcoming Chan quarterfinals between Tanzania and Morocco.
Reports show that Kenyans are seeking to deny local Tanzanian fans entering Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Government spokesman Gerson Musigwa said in a press conference that he firmly refuted these claims and ensured that the tickets were still available to Tanzanian supporters.
He encouraged Tanzanians to gain a large amount of support from the national team.
“The game doesn't involve them, but they've started the problem. I want to remove the concerns about Kenyans buying all the tickets. It's not true at all,” Musigwa said.
“Go to the stadium and you'll watch the game. Seats are available. They're making noise because they're afraid of us.”
Social media reports earlier claimed that Kenyan fans were snapping up tickets for Tanzania's Taifa star and two-time Champion Morocco in a highly anticipated showdown, which raised concerns among Tanzanian supporters who might be locked in the stadium.
The quarter-final clash is scheduled to take place at 8pm on Friday at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Kenya faces Madagascar in Nairobi just a few hours.
Although East African football fans often show cross-border solidarity in international matches, the historical football match between Tanzania and Kenya has increased suspicion surrounding the ticket frenzy.
Fans in both countries have long been fierce debate over which country has a high-level football lineage.
Musigwa's comment is amid growing expectations for the game, which many consider to be the moment for the Taifa star to decide.
Morocco, second only to Kenya in Group A, poses a huge challenge, and the support of the family population is expected to be crucial to Tanzania's performance.
Like the conflict between Kenya vs. Madagascar, Chan organizers have also made tickets for Tanzania vs. Morocco competition through the official online platform.
Authorities are urging fans to use this pathway to secure seats and avoid becoming victims of misunderstandings or panic purchases.