Bayern Munich and Ajax to Play Friendly Match in Kenya

Bayern Munich and Ajax will play a friendly match in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, on January 5, 2027.

Operativ Media reports that, according to ESPN citing Kenyan President William Ruto, the match will form part of the official opening ceremony for the 60,000-seat Raila Odinga International Stadium.

The new arena will serve as one of the main venues for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, the tournament will take place from June 19 to July 17. It will mark the first time the competition is held across three countries and its first return to East Africa since 1976.

With a combined total of 10 European Cup and Champions League titles, Bayern Munich and Ajax will face each other in Nairobi for the first time. For the German club, the fixture is part of a strategy to solidify its presence in the African market.

Constructed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the stadium is named after former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Educated in Germany, Odinga was a huge football fan.

The arena features a hybrid pitch, 52 VIP boxes, and is equipped with VAR and goal-line technology systems.