Morocco have officially landed in Nairobi ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, marking the beginning of a hotly contested Group A campaign. The two-time CHAN winners touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Monday morning aboard a chartered flight. Their arrival sets the stage for a thrilling tournament as they prepare to face some of the continent’s top home-based national teams, including hosts Kenya.
The Atlas Lions will hold their first training session in Nairobi later in the evening as they look to shake off the fatigue from their long flight and begin tactical preparations. Their opening match is scheduled against Angola on Sunday, July 28, at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Morocco joins a stacked Group A that includes hosts Kenya, Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia all of whom bring unique strengths and high ambitions. The North Africans, who lifted the CHAN trophy in 2018 and 2020, are eyeing a historic third title that would make them the first nation to achieve the feat.
The Harambee Stars, coached by Benni McCarthy, are also preparing intensely for their own opening fixture against DR Congo at Kasarani Stadium on the same day. Kenya’s tournament path will not get any easier, as they will next face Angola on August 7 before taking on Morocco in what is expected to be a massive clash on August 10. Their group stage campaign will conclude with a potentially decisive match against Zambia on August 17.
Group A is shaping up to be the most competitive pool in the tournament, with two former champions in Morocco and DR Congo, plus the home advantage of Kenya and the ever-dangerous Angola and Zambia. The pressure is immense, particularly on the Harambee Stars, who are eager to prove their growth in local talent on the continental stage.
As co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, Kenya is hoping to make a lasting impression not only through hospitality but also with strong performances on the pitch. Advancing to the knockout stage would be a historic achievement and a testament to the development of the country’s football infrastructure and local talent.
With kickoff just days away, anticipation is at an all-time high. All eyes are now on Group A as the battle for CHAN 2024 glory begins.
