Angola head coach Pedro Gonçalves has laid out his blueprint for overcoming Kenya’s Harambee Stars in a crucial Group Stage match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Kasarani Stadium. Angola enter the match in a must-win situation after losing 2-0 to Morocco, while the hosts carry momentum from a 1-0 victory over DR Congo.
The coach acknowledged the tough task his side faces against a confident and fast-paced Kenyan team. He pointed out that the Harambee Stars’ high-tempo style, combined with an electrified home crowd, presents a unique challenge that his team must be fully focused to overcome.
Gonçalves emphasized the importance of learning from their mistakes against Morocco, stating that their opening defeat provided valuable insights into areas requiring improvement. He believes that with better concentration and decision-making, Angola will stand a stronger chance against Kenya.
He described the opening match as emotionally intense and noted that anxiety and pressure played a role in his team’s underperformance. However, he remained optimistic that the players have overcome those initial nerves and are now mentally prepared to face a more demanding contest.
“Tomorrow will necessarily be a different game. We’ll face a team that plays at a high tempo, in a very energetic environment. So we’ll need to stay highly focused on our task,” said Gonçalves, noting that his squad has responded well during training.
He also praised Kenyan fans for their strong support and the sold-out status of the match, calling it a testament to the passion for football in the country. He expressed hope that the match would be a celebration of African football and fair play, highlighting the sport’s unifying power on the continent.
With both teams having everything to play for, Angola are targeting their first win of the tournament to avoid early elimination, while Kenya are aiming to build on their promising start and edge closer to qualification for the knockout stage.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM EAT at the fully packed Kasarani Stadium, where thousands of Kenyan fans are expected to create an electric atmosphere.
