The Kenya National Team, Harambee Stars, has been handed a challenging draw for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to face Morocco, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia. The draw, which took place on Wednesday night at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, has sparked mixed reactions, with many seeing it as the ‘group of death’ due to the strength of the nations involved.
The event, attended by a host of football stakeholders from across Africa, including key government officials, was conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) with the help of Kenya’s own MacDonald Mariga, Uganda’s Hassan Wasswa, and Tanzania’smost-capped player, Mrisho Ngasa.
Despite the intense competition, FKF Vice President MacDonald Mariga remains hopeful about Kenya’s prospects.
“It’s a highly competitive group, and we’re looking forward to a tough tournament. Morocco is a strong team, but we’re well-prepared. We’ve never lost to Angola here, so we’re ready,” Mariga stated.
Harambee Stars and Kenya Police FC midfielder Kenneth Muguna commented: “It’s a strong group, and we’re fully aware of the strength of the teams. We’ll be playing at home, and when the fans show up and the players give their best, no team will pose a threat to us. Kenya has talented players, and regardless of the opponent, we will fight for our country.”
Originally scheduled for February 2024, the tournament has been postponed to August 2025. CAF’s technical and infrastructure experts, based in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, recommended the delay to allow for vital upgrades to the facilities and infrastructure across the host nations.
Kenya, which is co-hosting the tournament with Uganda and Tanzania, is committed to meeting the required standards for a successful competition. Hon. Salim Mvurya, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy, and Sports, welcomed the postponement, emphasizing that it provides Kenya with an invaluable opportunity to enhance its preparation.
“We now have ample time to ensure that all facilities and infrastructure meet the high standards required for the success of the tournament,” said Mvurya. “This delay is a blessing in disguise, allowing us to prepare better and present a world-class event in August.”
As Kenya braces for a tough challenge in the ‘group of death,’ fans and football stakeholders are hopeful that the Harambee Stars will rise to the occasion, fueled by the support of their passionate home crowd.
