Harambee Stars are gearing up for a historic campaign in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to take place on home soil at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, from August 2 to 30. With the final scheduled to be played in Nairobi, pressure is mounting on head coach Benni McCarthy to deliver a strong performance and possibly guide the national team to their first-ever CHAN final.
Kenya has been drawn into a tough Group A that includes football heavyweights Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia. All group stage matches will be played at home, giving Harambee Stars a significant advantage with passionate fans expected to turn up in large numbers to support their team.
As excitement builds around the competition, former Kenya international Elijah Onsika has commended the national team’s recent progress under McCarthy. He noted visible improvements in overall play, especially in ball distribution and defensive organization, as seen during the recent friendly matches against Chad. Kenya played to a goalless draw in the first match but responded positively with a 2-1 victory in the second outing.
However, Onsika stressed that the team’s biggest weakness remains in attack. Despite creating numerous scoring opportunities, the Stars have struggled to convert chances into goals — a trend that has persisted in recent games. He urged McCarthy to address the issue urgently, stating that Kenya’s hopes of going far in the tournament hinge on finding a reliable striker who can finish off the many chances the team creates.
While many observers have labeled Group A the “Group of Death,” Onsika believes Kenya should not be intimidated by the stature of teams like Morocco. He emphasized that modern football is unpredictable, and there are no guaranteed winners, urging Kenyan players to abandon any fear of facing North African opponents. Instead, he called for a shift in mentality, encouraging the team to stay mentally strong, disciplined, and fully committed to the coach’s strategy.
Onsika also highlighted the importance of home support, pointing out that playing in front of Kenyan fans can act as a powerful motivator. With the right approach and improved efficiency in front of goal, he expressed confidence that Harambee Stars have what it takes to reach the final.
With Kenya and co-hosts Tanzania and Uganda placed in different groups, the competition promises to be an exciting showcase of regional talent. As the tournament draws closer, all eyes will be on Benni McCarthy to ensure Kenya’s striking woes are resolved in time to mount a serious challenge for the title.
