5 reasons why their ‘tough’ CHAN 2024 group is a good thing for Kenya

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.

The Kenya National Men’s football team Harambee Stars were on Wednesday. January 15 2025 dealt a “Group of Death” for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), leaving many Kenyan fans uneasy. 

The draw placed Harambee Stars alongside Morocco, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zambia—teams with rich CHAN histories and formidable reputations. 

While this might seem like a daunting task, a closer look reveals why this challenging group could actually be the perfect springboard for Kenyan football.

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Pulse Sports brings you  five compelling reasons why the Harambee Stars’ tough CHAN group might be a blessing in disguise:

5 reasons why Harambee Stars’ ‘tough’ CHAN 2024 group is a good thing for Kenya

1. Kenya performs well “under pressure”

Kenyan football has historically thrived under pressure. Former Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee believes that adversity has often brought out the best in the team.

“The adrenaline rush is high. When people give up hope on Harambee Stars, that is when they surprise you. Against Morocco, it is going to be tough, but the stadium will be filled with home supporters, so I think it will be a good motivation and the pressure will be on them to perform,” Mulee stated.

Mulee’s optimism is grounded in history. In 1987, Kenya made it to the final of the All African Games despite being pitted against football giants like Cameroon and Egypt.

 More recently, a packed Kasarani Stadium propelled the Stars to a 3-0 victory over Ethiopia in a crucial 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. The high stakes of this group could similarly ignite another unforgettable campaign.

2. A chance for the local players to prove themselves

Competing against two-time CHAN champions Morocco and DRC, along with seasoned sides like Angola and Zambia, offers Kenyan players a rare opportunity to measure themselves against Africa’s elite. Kenneth Muguna, a regular for the Stars, sees this as a vital stepping stone.

“It is a great group…if you look at the teams we will face, they are teams that have been at the CHAN before unlike us. However, our inexperience shouldn’t be an issue because we have very good players who can stand up to the occasion and lead us to the knockout stages,” Muguna remarked.

The exposure from facing teams boasting players from clubs like Wydad Casablanca, TP Mazembe, and Zesco United will undoubtedly boost Kenya’s footballing standards.

3. Seven months to prepare

The magnitude of the challenge has already lit a fire under the Harambee Stars camp. Macdonald Mariga’s assurance that “we are and will be prepared” reflects the team’s determination to rise to the occasion.

“The extra six months gives us enough time to prepare,” Mariga noted. “We will do scouting to identify the best players to make the squad.”

Assistant coach John ‘Guardiola’ Kamau echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for proper preparations.

“We now need to intensify the preparations and build a team as we had started with the Mapinduzi Cup. I would say that the team is 80 percent ready, so now what remains is to fill up the 20 percent,” Kamau explained.

This clarity of focus and commitment to improvement could be the difference-maker for the Stars.

4. Unmatched home advantage

As co-hosts of CHAN 2024, Kenya will enjoy the invaluable benefit of playing in front of their home fans. Kenneth Muguna underscored the significance of this advantage:

“For the fans who will be there in the stadium, I don’t wish to see any empty seat. I hope it will be a full stadium,” he said.

A boisterous, packed Kasarani or Nyayo Stadium could rattle even the most composed of opponents. This electrifying atmosphere might just tip the scales in Kenya’s favor, especially in tight matches.

5. A platform for career growth

For many players, CHAN represents a stage to showcase their talent on a continental level. Muguna believes this tournament is a golden opportunity for players to gain confidence and attract attention from scouts and bigger leagues.

“It is their chance because like I said before, in the senior team, maybe only three or four make the senior set up. So, it is good exposure for the seniors,” Muguna said. “60-80 percent of these players have never gotten an opportunity like this in their careers. It is a platform that can change your careers, so you just have to go out there and play well.”

Facing the best teams not only builds confidence but also prepares these players for higher levels of competition, ensuring a brighter future for Kenyan football.

While the draw may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that greatness often emerges from adversity. As Allan Wanga aptly noted, “this should motivate [the players] to work harder.” Facing such strong opponents could be the spark that reignites Kenya’s football ambitions and inspires a generation.

The Harambee Stars’ journey in CHAN 2024 is not just about surviving the “Group of Death”; it’s about thriving under the weight of expectation and proving that Kenya belongs among Africa’s footballing elite. 

Fans and players alike should embrace this challenge, because if history has taught us anything, it’s that the Harambee Stars shine brightest when the odds are stacked against them.