Former Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee believes Kenya’s Harambee Stars can replicate the side that reached the semi-finals of the 1987 All-African Games on home soil at the upcoming CHAN 2024 despite landing ‘group of death’.
Former Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee has exuded confidence in Kenya’s ability to stun critics despite being drawn in what many have labeled the “group of death” for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The tournament, initially slated for February, is now set to kick off in August, with specific dates yet to be announced.
Kenya’s Group A opponents include heavyweights Morocco, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia.
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Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President McDonald Mariga’s announcement of the draw sparked apprehension among Kenyan fans, as these teams boast formidable records in the competition.
As the draw was conducted at KICC’s Tsavo Ballroom on Wednesday night, attending Kenyan football stakeholders were understandably disgruntled any time Kenya were pitted against another opponent in group A of CHAN 2024. However, there are five reasons why the ‘group of death’ is a blessing in disguise for Harambee Stars.
Morocco and DRC lead the CHAN history books, each with two titles to their name. Angola and Nigeria have also reached the finals, while Zambia has been a consistent presence in the tournament.
In contrast, Kenya has never qualified for CHAN since its inception. Despite this disparity, Mulee believes Harambee Stars have what it takes to surprise their opponents and defy expectations.
Mulee drew parallels to Kenya’s impressive performance during the 1987 All Africa Games, which the country hosted. That year, Harambee Stars defied the odds to reach the semifinals, defeating football giants Cameroon and Egypt along the way.
“I believe Kenya normally plays well in a tough group. When you remember the 1987 All Africa Games in Kenya, we got all the way to the final, and yet we faced tough teams like Cameroon and Egypt,” Mulee remarked.
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Harambee Stars midfielder Kenneth Muguna has explained how Kenyan fans can help the national team overcome their tough Group A opponents during the 2024 CHAN tournament.
He added that the underdog status often works to Kenya’s advantage, igniting an adrenaline rush that fuels unexpected results.
“The adrenaline rush is high. When people give up hope on Harambee Stars, that is when they surprise you,” he said. “Against Morocco, it is going to be tough, but the stadium will be filled with home supporters. That will be a great motivation, and the pressure will be on them to perform.”
Mulee emphasized the importance of advancing to the tournament’s latter stages, both for the morale of Kenyan football fans and for the financial rewards that come with it. The prize money for reaching the semifinals stands at $3.5 million, a significant boost for any football program.
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Here is all you need to know about Morocco, DR Congo, Angola and Zambia who will face Kenya in Group A at CHAN 2024.
“If Kenya does not reach the last four, the fans will stop coming to the stadium,” Mulee warned. “The group is tough, yes, but if you want to get the $3.5 million, which is very good money, you have to be tough.”
The postponement of CHAN 2024 has provided Kenya with a much-needed opportunity to enhance its readiness as hosts. According to Mulee, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) is working tirelessly to ensure the country’s infrastructure meets the required standards.
“Some people work best under pressure. I do not think the facilities were 100 percent ready. I am part of the LOC, and we were assured that the facilities would be ready by the new date,” Mulee shared.
The former coach praised the progress made in renovations, noting that the additional preparation time will further enhance Kenya’s readiness.
“The people behind the renovations have done a great job. I am sure even had the tournament taken place in February, everything would have been ready. However, with more time, I am confident we will be even readier by August,” he added.
