As Harambee Stars prepare to take on Angola in their second Group A match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), confidence is high following a narrow but vital 1-0 victory over DR Congo. The win, sealed just before halftime by Austin Odhiambo, has set the stage for what could be a defining performance for Kenya at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani.
In contrast, Angola are reeling from a 2-0 defeat to Morocco in their tournament opener, a result that not only placed them on the back foot in the group standings but also appears to have unsettled the squad psychologically. Their head coach has openly admitted that starting the tournament with a loss can severely impact a team’s momentum and overall confidence—something Harambee Stars can look to exploit.
The psychological edge is now with the Kenyan side, who have already shown resilience and discipline in their opening game. Angola’s slow start may translate into early vulnerabilities on the pitch, especially if they struggle to shake off the pressure from their previous defeat. The coach acknowledged that a good start typically fuels tournament success, hinting that Angola’s current situation might hinder their ability to gain crucial rhythm.
Despite the rocky start, the Angolan camp remains determined. The team is made up of players who are familiar with each other, a result of deliberate long-term planning. Preparations began mid-July and were split into two key phases: one focused on expanding the player pool in Luanda and another refining squad chemistry in Johannesburg. Ten players from their COSAFA Cup-winning squad have been retained, providing a sense of continuity.
The coach stressed that while the group is challenging, Angola’s ambition is to compete fiercely and push beyond the group stage. He remains optimistic about a turnaround, emphasizing the importance of team cohesion and physical readiness.
For Harambee Stars, however, this matchup presents a golden opportunity to capitalize on Angola’s shaky start. A second consecutive win would significantly boost Kenya’s chances of qualifying from Group A, while further denting Angola’s hopes of progressing.
