flag
back Back
Ajax and Bayern face off in opening match at Nairobi's Raila Odinga International Stadium
The Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya
The Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya

Ajax and Bayern Munich will play the inaugural match at Kenya's new national stadium, the Raila Odinga International Stadium, in the capital of Nairobi, the clubs confirmed on Wednesday.

The match will take place on January 5th, 2027.

The Raila Odinga International Stadium, also known as Talanta Sports Stadium, has been under construction since 2024 and will function as Kenya's new national stadium. The stadium, which seats up to 60,000, is set to host the games during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, along with other football and rugby matches.

"The invitation to Ajax and Bayern Munich for the opening match was accompanied by warm words from the organisers for both clubs," Ajax said on the club website.

"The match between Bayern Munich and Ajax - six- and four-time UEFA Champions League winners respectively - is regarded by the organisers as a major football event in East Africa. It marks the opening of a special new stadium in front of a huge African crowd, a clash between two giants of international football, and a defining moment for Kenya on the road to the Africa Cup of Nations."

The club calls it "an honour" to be invited for the event, while also calling the game against Bayern a "serious test of strength" during the Eredivisie's winter break.

'A continent with huge passion'

Rouven Kasper, Bayern's board member for sales and marketing, hailed the continent of Africa for its football-crazy mentality and calls the game a great way to bond with the African Bayern fans.

You may like

Arsenal will sell Martin Odegaard on one condition as he reaches verdict on joining Bayern Munich

football365.com 18 hours ago

JJ Gabriel rejects PSG offer as Real Madrid lead race

amp.sportsmole.co.uk 1 hour ago

Yan Diomande's Ballon d'Or clause revealed

bulinews.com 13 hours ago

Matthaus urges Mourinho to bench Vinicius Junior

sportsmole.co.uk 15 hours ago

Africa Cup of Nations U-turn on four-year cycle

semafor.com 22 hours ago

Legendary 75,800-seater stadium to be demolished as stunning images of replacement emerge

Mirror 23 hours ago

16-year-old Archie Self enjoys dream week: historic record, PDC World Darts Championship debut in...

dartsnews.com 2 hours ago