The Harambee Stars of Kenya are set to launch their TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 campaign on Sunday with a thrilling Group A opener against tournament heavyweights DR Congo at the iconic Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.
This landmark fixture not only marks Kenya’s return to continental competition but also sets the stage for one of the most hotly anticipated matches in the early stages of the tournament. With five teams vying for just two quarter-final spots in Group A, the stakes are sky-high for the hosts.
Kenya’s head coach Benni McCarthy, appointed in March, has worked tirelessly to rebuild the national side. Despite significant player departures and injury setbacks, the South African tactician has instilled belief and tactical discipline into the Harambee Stars.
Star strikers Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro exited the squad after completing club transfers just before the tournament. Teen prodigy Mohamed Bajaber also moved to Simba SC in Tanzania, while injuries to Pamba Swaleh and Brian Musa further depleted McCarthy’s options.
Nonetheless, McCarthy remains confident ahead of Sunday’s encounter.
“Yes, we’ve faced setbacks, but the players have shown great hunger and drive,” he said during the pre-match press conference.
“We’re motivated not just by rewards, but by the pride of representing Kenya on home soil.”
The Harambee Stars received a timely morale boost when President William Ruto visited their camp, shared a meal with the players, and pledged a generous incentive if they win the tournament.
On the other side of the pitch, DR Congo, two-time CHAN champions (2009, 2016), arrive in Nairobi determined to bounce back from a disastrous campaign in Algeria two years ago, where they exited the tournament without scoring a single goal.
Head coach Otis Ngoma Kondi insists his squad means business.
“We are not here for tourism. We want to erase the memory of Algeria and go as far as possible — maybe even win it for a third time,” he said.
Despite limited preparation and only one warm-up match, DR Congo bring experience, physicality, and pedigree to the Group A opener.
Sunday’s match will be played in front of a packed 60,000-capacity Kasarani Stadium, with Kenyan fans expected to turn up in full voice to support their side. The last three meetings between these two nations ended in two wins for Kenya and a draw, but this time the stakes are much higher.
Following this clash, Kenya will face Angola on August 7, Morocco on August 10, and wrap up the group stage against Zambia on August 17.
