Bayern, Ajax to field senior teams in Nairobi stadium opening match
Sports PS Elijah Mwangi has confirmed that Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam will send their senior teams for the January 5, 2027 exhibition match to inaugurate the Raila Odinga International Stadium, dismissing claims that the clubs would feature legends or reserve players.
Kampala, Uganda, November 1 – Sports Secretary Elijah Mwangi has quashed rumors that high-profile European football giants Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam would field reserve or former players for the inaugural match at Kenya's new Raila Odinga International Stadium. Mwangi assured that the two elite teams would send their senior squads to compete against local rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards on January 5, 2027.
The exhibition match is set to inaugurate the state-of-the-art facility, previously known as Talanta Sports City, ahead of Kenya's co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Addressing concerns over the caliber of participants, Mwangi reiterated that the approach was centered on the main teams of both clubs. He dismissed speculation involving legends or reserve squads, stating that the government had been in discussions with the clubs' respective first teams. Mwangi also assured that the event would not be burdened by public funds, but rather sponsored by private entities.
Mwangi highlighted the significant global fan bases of Bayern Munich and Ajax, which together exceed 300 million supporters worldwide. He viewed the matchup as a prime opportunity to showcase Kenya on an international stage, leveraging the clubs' fan networks to bolster the country's profile. The match will also feature the country's top football teams, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, solidifying the stadium's significance in Kenya's sporting calendar.
It is worth noting that Bayern Munich and Ajax boast an impressive history in European football, boasting a combined total of 10 European Cup and UEFA Champions League titles. Their last encounter took place in December 2018, during a UEFA Champions League group stage match, which concluded in a thrilling 3-3 draw. This January fixture showcases the ambitious preparations underway by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in anticipation of co-hosting the 2027 AFCON, marking the first time the continental championship will be jointly staged.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
