* A special match to kick off the new year — FC Bayern
* An important occasion for Ajax Amsterdam
By Clive Kyazze, CK Sports Africa
Kenya’s President William Ruto has confirmed that European football giants Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam will meet in Nairobi on January 5, 2027, to inaugurate the country’s new national stadium which will host the Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) Pamoja 2027.
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Kenya will co-host the continent’s football fiesta alongside Uganda and Tanzania, thus the slogan ‘Pamoja’, Swahili for together.
Ruto made the announcement during a Wednesday evening address at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi, unveiling plans for a high-profile encounter to mark the opening of the Raila Odinga International Stadium.
The fixture will bring together two of Europe’s most decorated clubs at a facility expected to play a central role when Kenya co-hosts the AfCON 2027.
Both Bayern Munich and Ajax independently confirmed the match through their official social media platforms on Wednesday, October 28, giving further weight to the presidential announcement.
“A special match to kick off the new year: FC Bayern travels to Nairobi on January 5, 2027, and will face Ajax Amsterdam as part of the ceremonial opening of the new national stadium,” Bayern announced.
The German champions also released promotional material featuring their players alongside the two clubs’ crests, identifying Nairobi as the destination for the January encounter.
Ajax welcomed the announcement, describing the fixture as an important occasion for the Dutch club.
“We’re proud to announce that we will face FC Bayern in the opening match of the new Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi, Kenya,” Ajax stated.
The encounter promises to attract considerable attention across East Africa, with both clubs boasting distinguished histories in European football.
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