CHAN 2024 Harambee Stars vs Angola is set to light up Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, as Kenya prepares for a pivotal Group A clash against a determined Angolan side. Coming off a historic 1-0 win over DR Congo, the Harambee Stars have injected new hope and excitement into their campaign, but the stakes could not be higher heading into their second match of the tournament.
A new era begins with drama, grit, and belief
Few could forget the courageous display that marked Kenya’s debut at CHAN 2024. Midfielder Austine Odhiambo, still brimming with energy after netting the winner, summed it up best: “The game was tough; honestly, DR Congo were the better side but did not use their chances. We got ours and made good use of it.” His honesty reveals much about the mental landscape inside the Kenyan camp. Despite weathering relentless pressure from the two-time champions, their discipline and organization saw them seize their moment — Odhiambo’s finish, deep in first-half stoppage, etched his name in history with Kenya’s first-ever goal at this stage.
That three points now means Harambee Stars share the top of Group A with Morocco, who opened their bid with a 2-0 defeat of Angola, but the challenge is only intensifying as Angola look to bounce back from their own setback.
Midfield mastery and defensive resilience key to Kenyan hopes
While the result against DR Congo has set the tone for optimism, there is a measured sense of awareness among players and staff regarding what must improve. Odhiambo, reflecting on the tense opener, singled out game and ball management as critical areas for development. “We need to improve on our game and ball management because we were losing a lot of balls,” he admitted. For head coach Benni McCarthy, the victory was a testament to spirit and adaptability, but he is under no illusions about the test posed by Pedro Gonçalves’s Angola.
McCarthy’s tactical tweaks, particularly the repositioning of youngster Manzur Okwaro into a defensive midfield role, were pivotal in stifling DR Congo’s creativity. McCarthy’s praise for Okwaro, “He is young, fit, brave and only 20 years old. I know now that if I have to nullify an opponent, he will come in handy because he is versatile and phenomenal,” illustrates the faith he has in Kenya’s next generation. Alpha Onyango’s composure and willingness to link play in midfield, along with Odhiambo’s ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, have created a stable foundation. That triumvirate, McCarthy believes, will again be key against Angola.
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Benni McCarthy’s three pillars for success
As the Harambee Stars gear up for Angola, McCarthy has issued a clear directive: focus, momentum, and execution. The risk of early success breeding complacency is not lost on the South African tactician. “The hardest part is over now,” he explained, recognizing that Kenya’s challenge is to block out the noise and maintain laser-sharp concentration for the battles ahead.
- this is how it’s done – Maintaining focus means shutting out distractions from the opening whistle,
- this is how it’s done squared – harnessing momentum from the DR Congo win fuels confidence and belief within the squad,
- this is how it’s done cubed – execution demands tactical and mental discipline, where seizing opportunities and minimizing errors becomes non-negotiable.
McCarthy’s philosophy underscores how, in tournament football, the thinnest of margins can make the biggest difference. In his words, “Success at this level is determined by thin margins, and against a well-disciplined Angolan side, mistakes could be costly.”
Angola battle self-doubt and dig for underdog spirit
Angola, on paper, bring significant experience to the table. As regulars at CHAN with a core drawn from Primeiro de Agosto, Petro Atletico, and others, the Palancas Negras are no strangers to the rigours of continental football. Yet, head coach Pedro Gonçalves has been candid, admitting that losing their opener to Morocco might have dented squad confidence. “If they start on a positive note, it will give them momentum into the rest of the tournament,” he observed, alluding to the psychological rollercoaster tournament football can bring.
Gonçalves has emphasized both the difficulty and the opportunity for Angola. “We may not be the favourites, but we will certainly have something to say in that fight,” he declared. The squad’s backbone, built from domestic champions and emboldened by a challenging training camp in South Africa, will be leaning on cohesion and the hunger to move past the group stages for the first time since their runners-up finish in 2011.
Kenyans reflect and adjust for a bigger challenge
Not everyone in the Kenyan camp is satisfied despite the DR Congo scalp. Former Gor Mahia coach Bob Oyugi has been quick to point out the necessity for sharper defending and a more incisive attack. “Kenya needs a sharp forward line, with frequent attacks, plus a covering and supporting midfield,” Oyugi urged. The warning is clear: Angola, having analyzed Kenya’s game, will look to pounce on any hesitancy or lapse in tactical discipline.
The call for “more determination” and “composure from the first whistle” has become something of a mantra. Both fullbacks must remain alert, while the midfield cannot afford to expose the backline against an Angola squad known for swift transitions.
Pride, reward, and the dream of a nation
There is no denying the stakes. President William Ruto’s promise of a Ksh1 million bonus for every CHAN win has added a wave of motivation for the Harambee Stars. Yet, the pressure is not purely financial. As McCarthy put it, “This country requires a team capable of going out there and fighting for it.” The crowd at Kasarani is expected to be electric, a sea of support driving Kenya’s charge as they seek to edge closer to a historic knockout berth.
What to expect on match day
The storyline writes itself: Kenya, full of self-belief but aware of their limitations, versus an Angola side eager to prove their own credentials. For both teams, the result will not just be about advancing — it is about momentum, pride, and showcasing the evolving narratives of African football. The tactical battles, individual duels, and sheer weight of desire will be on display from the first whistle.
For Harambee Stars fans, this is more than just a football match. It is the forging of identity, unity, and possibly the start of an unforgettable CHAN run. All eyes on Kasarani. The next chapter awaits, and it promises drama, passion, and the kind of emotional rollercoaster only football can deliver.
