Several football fans have been reported injured at the Gusii Stadium in Kisii County following a scuffle ahead of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) match between Shabana FC and Gor Mahia.
Preliminary reports indicate that the scuffle between rival supporters ensued on Sunday morning ahead of the high-stakes match scheduled for 2 pm.
In videos seen by The Kenya Times, some fans can be seen being evacuated by medical personnel and other fans.
Other photos showed ambulances inside the stadium evacuating the injured.
However, calm was eventually restored, and later videos showed both teams warming up on the pitch as the atmosphere settled.
Shabana fans have turned Gusii Stadium into a fortress in recent months, regularly filling it.
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Uncertainties ahead of the Shabana Vs Gor match
The venue had been a point of contention in the build-up to the match, with some fans and observers expressing concern over its small capacity given the expected turnout.
Gor Mahia supporters had proposed moving the fixture to a larger stadium capable of accommodating high-risk matches, but the idea was strongly opposed by Shabana fans, some of whom even threatened to boycott the game if it wasn’t held at their home ground.
In the days leading up to the match, fans of both teams engaged in spirited online banter, each backing their side to triumph in the high-stakes encounter.
Shabana on Saturday announced on X that a contingent of General Service Unit (GSU) officers will be deployed between the two stands to separate the rival fans to avoid chaos during the match.
To avoid congestion at the gates, the Kisii-based side further urged supporters to come early at the stadium, stating that the gates will open at 8:30 am and close at 12:30pm.
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Only those with valid tickets will be granted access to the venue. VVIP tickets have been retailing at Ksh 3000 while VIP and regular ones have been selling at Ksh1000 and Ksh300 respectively.
“Be your brother’s keeper. Throwing objects into the field of play is highly prohibited. Maintain law and order,” rallied Shabana via their X account on Friday.
FKF-PL standings
Heading into the match, Shabana sit fourth on the log with 46 points, while reigning champions Gor Mahia are third with 50 points.
A win for either side would significantly boost their title hopes in what has become a fiercely contested season.
Meanwhile, league leaders Tusker failed to widen their gap at the top after settling for a goalless draw against AFC Leopards at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
Tusker and Kenya Police are now tied at 52 points, with Police retaining top spot due to a superior goal difference.
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