An ardent football fan who collapsed while passionately cheering the national football team, Harambee Stars, during the Total CHAN 2024 has been reported dead.
The man identified as Joseph Cheroiyot, a well-known face at St Jacinta Chebororwa Catholic Church, was watching the Kenya vs Angola match on Thursday, August 7, when the tragedy struck.
According to witnesses, he was clapping and cheering for the national side when he suddenly collapsed.
He was rushed to the hospital, where he spent three days under medical care. Despite doctors’ efforts, Cheroiyot passed away.
“Some days ago, while he was watching and cheering our national team, the Harambee Stars play vs Angola, suddenly he was overwhelmed by how our team played, but unfortunately, he fell and was taken to the hospital,” announced Vitalis Kibet, a close friend.
Also Read: So This is Football? My Wild First Experience at Kasarani CHAN 2024
Friends and Family Mourn the Football Fan
At the same time, Amos Kosgei, who identified as his neighbor, described Joseph as a great person with a warm personality.
“It is so sad, my neighbor, may his soul rest in peace. Condolences to his family, neighbors, Church, friends, and Chebororwa location residents. Joseph Cheroiyot was friendly to all people,” stated Amos.
Additionally, members of St. Jacinta Chebororwa Catholic Church, where he was an active member, expressed their sorrow, stating that his presence during parish activities brought joy and unity.
“Our parish will miss you. Your family, friends, and all who knew you will feel your absence,” read part of the message from Silas Tarus.
On social media, villagers and fellow football fans shared their tributes for Joseph Cheroiyot.
Also Read: 10-Man Harambee Stars Hold Angola to 1–1 Draw
CAF Halts Ticket Sales for Kenya vs Zambia CHAN 2024 Match
Earlier, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) suspended ticket sales for the CHAN 2024 match between Kenya and Zambia at Kasarani Stadium because of major safety and security breaches during recent games.
Moreover, the move came a week after CAF fined the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Ksh2.5 million for lapses during the opening match against DR Congo on August 3.
CAF explained that the decision followed chaos during the Harambee Stars’ match against Morocco on August 10, which saw a broken gate, fans entering without tickets, overcrowding, a stampede at Gate 11, and intrusions into restricted areas.
Tear gas was also used to disperse crowds, and a motorcycle was filmed weaving through queuing fans. There were also reports of a security guard assaulting a CAF staff member and a sponsor representative.
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