Kenya’s CHAN 2024 Debut Ignites East Africa’s Grand Football

Kenya’s entry into the CHAN 2024 tournament marks a landmark moment for African football—as co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda, the Harambee Stars are set to make their debut at the continental competition reserved entirely for domestic-league players. Scheduled from 2 to 30 August 2025, the 8th edition of CHAN spans four cities—Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, and Zanzibar—and offers a stage for East Africa’s local talent to shine. Kenya begins in Group A, facing powerhouses DR Congo, Morocco, Angola, and Zambia—a collection widely dubbed the “Group of Death.” The opening match pits Kenya against two-time champions DR Congo at a packed Kasarani Stadium, setting an electrifying tone for the nation’s first CHAN campaign.

Kenyan fans have eagerly snapped up tickets, with the opener completely sold out as anticipation reaches fever pitch.

Co‑Hosting CHAN—East Africa’s Unprecedented Collaborative Showcase

The TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) ushers in several historic “firsts.” For the first time, the tournament is hosted by three countries concurrently—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—making it a landmark in regional cooperation. Originally scheduled for early 2025, the event was later postponed to August 2025 to allow more preparation time and ensure venues were fully ready—a decision announced on 14 January 2025.

A total of 19 teams will compete, all comprised of players active in their respective domestic leagues, preserving the tournament’s ethos of nurturing local talent. Groups A through D each take place in separate host cities. Kenya’s Group A includes Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia, all drawn into a fiercely competitive section.

Kasarani Stadium, with a 60,000‑seat capacity, will host Kenya’s Group A fixtures—including the monumental final—and Nyayo Stadium will serve as a secondary venue. Meanwhile, Dar es Salaam’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will stage the opening ceremony and all Group B matches, Kampala’s Mandela National Stadium hosts Group C and the third-place play-off; Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium—with a smaller 15,000 capacity—hosts Group D.

Kenya’s First CHAN Appearance—Squad, Coach & Expectations

For Kenya, CHAN 2024 is more than a debut—it’s a football renaissance. The Harambee Stars have never competed in CHAN before, and their participation as automatic qualifiers reflects Kenya’s newfound role on the continental stage.

Under Benni McCarthy, a coach with strong European pedigree including a stint at Manchester United’s coaching setup, Kenya hopes to combine tactical discipline with local flair. McCarthy has reshuffled the squad ahead of the opener, bringing in defensive midfielder Chrispine Erambo, forward Brian Michira, and reinstating Edward Omondi, boosting depth amid injury concerns to key players like Mohamed Bejaber, Brian Musa, and Marvin Nabwire.

Fans have rallied behind local heroes such as Ryan Ogam, who scored 15 goals in 13 FKF Premier League games before injury, and young midfield sparkplug Austine Odongo, whose form with Shabana FC underlines the tournament’s focus on homegrown talent. Former star striker Dennis Oliech has appealed to fans to unify behind the team, urging Kenyans to set aside club loyalties and political divides in support of the national cause.

A sold-out Kasarani Stadium underscores fans’ excitement. McCarthy has stated that “the first game is extremely important… in the Group of Death, a good result against DR Congo will give us belief ahead of the next matches.”

Defending Powerhouses—DR Congo & Morocco in the Frame

DR Congo, CHAN’s most successful team (titles in 2009 and 2016), arrive in Nairobi aiming to become the first nation to win a third title. Under coach Otis N’Goma, they bring experience and discipline, with Oscar Kabwit of TP Mazembe leading the charge. Known for his physicality, versatility and finishing, Kabwit is seen as a key threat. Arrival earlier than other teams gave them time for final tuning.

Publicly, DR Congo stirred controversy just before kickoff, accusing Kenya of spying on their training sessions—remarks that injected tension into the opening fixture atmosphere.

Morocco, also two-time champions (2018, 2020), are expected to dominate with their well-developed domestic league structure and CAF experience. After missing CHAN 2022, they return eager to reclaim the title.

Both teams arrive in a high-octane environment, with fixtures against each other, Angola, Zambia, and hosts Kenya shaping up as key tests at the tournament’s onset.

Group A Preview—A Brutal Line‑Up and Key Match Moments

Group A is widely considered the tournament’s toughest cluster—featuring:

• Kenya (hosts/debutants)
• DR Congo (two‑time winners)
• Morocco (back‑to‑back champions)
• Angola (growing force)
• Zambia (attacking flair)

Kenya’s opening fixture against DR Congo at Kasarani on 3 August at 3 PM EAT serves as a pivotal moment for home fans and team belief. Morocco’s match against Angola follows afterward at Nyayo Stadium.

Key matches to watch:

• August 3: Kenya vs DR Congo
• August 6: Angola vs Kenya
• August 9: Kenya vs Morocco

A sharp start could swing momentum for Kenya, but with DR Congo’s pedigree, Morocco’s dominance, and Zambia’s flair networks applying pressure, every game demands focus. A win or draw against DR Congo would inject belief; subsequent matches will test whether Kenya can sustain that momentum.

Key Players and Tactical Dynamics to Watch

Both teams bring compelling tactical narratives:

• Kenya: McCarthy’s selections reflect a balance of youth and experience—Odongo, Michira and Omondi add freshness alongside seasoned names like Ogam. Expected strategies include tight midfield discipline and counter‑attacks, supported vocally by a passionate home crowd.
• DR Congo: Otis N’Goma’s side emphasizes defensive organisation and quick transition play. Kabwit is a focal point, but the Leopards also boast collective strength built from TP Mazembe connections.

Morocco and Angola bring varied tactical setups—Morocco’s methodical structural discipline versus Angola’s creative passing game. Zambia’s flair adds unpredictability. Coaches will need flexibility to adapt across opponents. The looming spying controversy adds psychological layers—Kenya will aim to channel emotion positively, while DR Congo defends image and focus.

Conclusion

Kenya’s historic arrival at CHAN 2024 marks a watershed moment in East African football. From debutant hosts taking on continental titans to roaring fans uniting behind homegrown stars, the stage is set for drama, surprise, and inspiration.

Whether Harambee Stars can capitalize on the energy at Kasarani, remain competitive in the “Group of Death,” and sustain a deep run depends on tactical discipline, squad depth, and unyielding belief. But one truth stands: for Kenya and the region, CHAN 2024 is already a triumph in ambition and unity.