As the countdown to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) edges closer to kickoff on August 2, excitement continues to build across East Africa, where Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will co-host the tournament. For Kenyan fans, however, optimism is mixed with caution as Harambee Stars find themselves in what many have dubbed the tournament’s “Group of Death.
Kenya has been grouped alongside North African giants Morocco, two-time champions DR Congo, COSAFA champions Angola, and Zambia in a pool brimming with pedigree and form. Much of the pre-tournament discussion has focused on the threat posed by Morocco and DR Congo, given their past success in the competition. But there’s another team that might pose an even greater threat to Kenya’s ambitions Angola.
Here are three key reasons why Harambee Stars should be more wary of Angola than even Morocco and DR Congo:
1. COSAFA Cup Momentum
Angola arrive at CHAN 2024 riding a wave of confidence, having been crowned COSAFA Cup champions just a month ago in South Africa. Their triumph was emphatic a 3-0 thrashing of hosts South Africa in the final to claim their fifth COSAFA Cup title.
Unlike some of their group rivals who have not played competitively since the end of the 2024-25 season in May, Angola enter the tournament with fresh experience in a high-stakes environment. Their players are match fit, tactically sharp, and mentally prepared for the demands of knockout football.
While Kenya’s squad will also benefit from the recently concluded FKF Premier League season, Angola’s COSAFA Cup campaign offered a far more intense and competitive setting. This match sharpness and tournament momentum make them a dangerous proposition.
2. Squad Stability and Chemistry
Angola’s recent competitive run gave head coach Pedro Goncalves an invaluable opportunity to assess his players under pressure. As a result, he had little difficulty selecting a well-balanced 25-man squad composed of players who not only performed at COSAFA but also have strong on-field chemistry.
In contrast, Harambee Stars have faced some instability during their preparations. Several key players departed camp after securing moves abroad, forcing the technical bench to tweak the squad at a crucial stage. While this could offer opportunities to younger talents, it also disrupts tactical planning and squad cohesion.
Angola, on the other hand, will be fielding a group familiar with each other’s playstyles and systems a key advantage in a short tournament where time is limited and every match counts.
3. Experience in Pressure Situations
Another factor that makes Angola a formidable opponent is their wealth of tournament experience. Their squad includes seasoned players like goalkeeper Neblu, midfielder Vidinho, and striker Keliano, all of whom played a central role in their COSAFA Cup triumph.
These players have already demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure, manage crucial moments, and lead by example in tense fixtures. Their experience will be vital in guiding Angola through a tough group and could prove decisive in high-stakes matches against Kenya and the other heavyweights.
In comparison, Kenya’s squad is younger and relatively untested at this level, meaning they may lack the composure required in must-win situations.
While Morocco and DR Congo boast strong reputations and impressive past records, Angola bring recent success, squad cohesion, and experience a combination that makes them arguably the most dangerous opponent for Harambee Stars in Group A. If Kenya are to progress in CHAN 2024, overcoming the Angolan hurdle will be absolutely critical.
