Nairobi:Football powerhouses FC Bayern Munich and AFC Ajax Amsterdam are set to meet on January 5, 2027, in a highly anticipated match that will officially open the Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City. Both clubs have committed to fielding their strongest first-team squads for this historic encounter.
According to Kenya News Agency, Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya confirmed that both clubs have given written commitments to present their best possible starting eleven, dismissing any suggestions that the match would feature legends or academy teams.
Preparations for the event are at an advanced stage, with the government aiming to provide an exceptional sporting and entertainment experience. Tickets for the match are set to go on sale at 6pm on Thursday, November 5, exclusively through the official Talanta Sports City website, with prices starting at Sh2,500.
Mvurya emphasized the importance of purchasing tickets through authorised channels to avoid fraud. The event will include a 12-hour fan festival, dedicated concierge services, and international entertainment, showcasing Kenya’s cultural and sporting potential. Skyboxes and premium hospitality packages will also be available for those seeking exclusive matchday experiences.
The match is part of the Kenyan government’s strategy to position the country as a leading destination for international sporting events, aiming to attract investment and opportunities in sports tourism. The encounter is fully funded through private-sector support, highlighting growing confidence in Kenya’s sports industry.
Beyond inaugurating the new stadium, the event will serve as a test of Kenya’s readiness to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania. It will provide an opportunity to assess stadium operations, security arrangements, and other essential facilities under actual international match conditions.
The fixture will bring together two of Europe’s most decorated clubs, both of which have won the UEFA Champions League multiple times. Mvurya called on Kenyans and global football fans to attend the match, marking it as a defining moment in Kenya’s sporting history and a new chapter in hosting major international competitions.
