Harambee Stars have defied all odds to emerge top of the so-called ‘Group of Death’ at the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), prompting head coach Benni McCarthy to send a sharp response to Tanzanian critics who had dismissed Kenya’s performances.
Kenya’s journey through the group stages was nothing short of dramatic. They began with a crucial 1-0 victory over DR Congo, followed by a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Angola. That match saw controversy when Angola thought they had secured a late winner through Joao Chingando Manha, only for VAR to intervene and rule the goal out for offside. Kenya had earlier equalized through Austin Odhiambo’s penalty after Joaquim Paciencia’s early strike.
The Harambee Stars then stunned two-time champions Morocco with a 1-0 win before sealing their dominance in the group with another 1-0 victory against Zambia. With 10 points, Kenya finished top, edging out Morocco who settled for second place with nine points. DR Congo came in third with six, Angola fourth with four, and Zambia exited without a single point.
Throughout the campaign, Tanzanian fans have been quick to mock Harambee Stars, suggesting that Kenya relied too heavily on VAR decisions. Some even joked that Kenya had “sent their president to VAR” to influence results. In response, McCarthy clapped back after the final group game, making it clear that Tanzania’s turn had come.
The Harambee Stars coach highlighted that Tanzanian supporters downplayed the difficulty of Kenya’s group, which included three former CHAN champions. With Tanzania now set to face Morocco in the quarterfinals, McCarthy pointedly wished them luck, hinting that they would finally understand the intensity his side had faced.
“We stay in Kenya for our next match, and that was the most important part. Tanzania will now experience what we did. Morocco is going to Tanzania, so I want feedback from their fans after that game,” McCarthy remarked with a smile.
Kenya’s quarterfinal clash will be against Madagascar, a fixture they will play on home soil. Tanzania, who topped Group B with a perfect 10 points, now have the daunting task of facing Morocco in what promises to be one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament.
