One of the country’s favorite morsels is the sight of Kenyan football fans in full voice, arms around each other and spirits aloft.

At the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the atmosphere at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, has been nothing but electric – a carnival of noise, color, and movement.

Benni McCarthy has reflected on the tactical decisions that helped Harambee Stars edge Morocco’s Atlas Lions.

Mexican waves, Poznan dances, “One million!” shoutouts and a sea of flashing mobile phone lights have made Harambee Stars’ fans one of the most passionate fan bases in Africa.

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Even visiting teams have departed Nairobi praising the passion, color, and warmth in the stadium.

“I don’t believe that we could have done it if not for the performance of the fans. Not with 11 players, not with 10 players,” Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy added in a recent post-match interview, attributing praise to the home fans for a morale boost for his team when things became rough.

The South African was concerned about his team’s mental readiness ahead of a crucial CHAN clash against a formidable opponent.

But beneath the festivities, CHAN 2024 is also an important test of Kenya’s ability to host large tournaments safely, efficiently, and for all. With AFCON 2027 in sight, the world is looking on – and what supporters are doing may determine whether Kenya deserves even bigger football stages.

Most CHAN fans have been obedient and jovial in equal measure. But over recent matches, gate congestion and confusion regarding admission conditions have caused operational problems. These are issues that can tarnish the reputation of a tournament and threaten the prospects of hosting it in the future.

CHAN is not all about football. It is proof of Kenya’s competence in hosting a world-standard fan experience in accordance with CAF and international safety standards. That means each matchday must strike the right cord of excitement and discipline.

Protecting the game means compliance, cooperation, and shared commitment from FKF, CAF, security agencies, ticketing agents, media, and the fans themselves.

The Harambee Stars shotstopper has had to overcome alot of challenges to become the commanding presence he is in goal nowadays.

The fan drill is simple but effective. It includes arriving early at the stadium to avoid congestion. It includes having tickets in hand and in display, physical or digital. It includes being respectful about items prohibited in the stadium, complying with security protocols in the stadium, and staying cool at checkpoints. It includes being respectful to fellow fans, be they Kenyan colors or visitor teams’ colors. And it includes listening to directives from security so that checks are timely, secure, and effective.

This has nothing to do with limiting passion. Far from it, more efficient logistics enable more time and energy to be focused inside the stadium to produce that special ambiance Kenya is becoming famous for. The singing, dancing, synchronized applause and candle light – these are maximized, not minimized, where matchday operations are efficient.

Across CHAN, the multiculturalism in the stands has been encouraging. Grassroots fans who have kept Kenyan football going for decades are now sitting alongside families who are watching their first match.

There are beginners in evidence from all corners of the continent, drawn by the passion of the home crowd. This mix is a testament to the power of football as a unifying experience, but it also requires a shared assent: passion must go hand in hand with control.

“Today we felt the 12th man. The fans were fantastic,” McCarthy said after one of the games.

That 12th man image is not gained by numbers and color alone, but by ensuring that the matchday runs like a well-oiled machine – for players, officials, and spectators.

CHAN 2024 is an opportunity to write a legacy of excellence. A secure, structured, and friendly fan atmosphere will resonate long after this competition, setting the tone for Kenya’s standing as a trusted host for AFCON 2027 and later. This is not exclusively the work of security or organizers. Every fan in the stands has part of that responsibility. The message is clear: Protect the Game.

As the Angolan coach described after playing Kenya, “It was a very good party, it promotes football.”

Now the challenge is to ensure that every game played in Kenya is remembered as a great party and a world-class spectacle.

Kenya already has the noise, the dance, the chants, and the unity. Now it must incorporate the discipline.

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If we dig deeper, stay in line, and pull together, we won’t merely be Africa’s most vocal advocates – we’ll be the most trusted. And that will put us firmly in place, not only in CHAN history, but in international circles.