Kenya head coach Benedict MacCarthy has expressed strong confidence in his squad’s ability to leave a mark on the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), despite acknowledging the steep challenge that lies ahead.
The South African tactician, who previously led the line for Bafana Bafana as a striker, is preparing the Harambee Stars to compete in what he terms the “group of death” as the eighth edition of CHAN kicks off.
MacCarthy remains undeterred by the formidable opponents Kenya will face, including multiple title winners and regional champions.
“It’s clear to everyone that we’re in the group of death,” MacCarthy told local media. “It’s an incredibly tough group, but also a tremendous challenge for us to see how far we’ve come and where we stand as a nation in football.”
The group features African heavyweights such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Morocco—both two-time CHAN champions—as well as Angola, who recently secured the COSAFA Cup.
Zambia, another continental powerhouse with a storied history in African football, completes the lineup.
“DR Congo have won the CHAN twice, Morocco too, and Angola just won the COSAFA Cup. These are teams with impressive records. And let’s not forget that Zambia is also an iconic name in African football history. But here comes Kenya,” he added.
Despite the daunting lineup, MacCarthy remains optimistic about his team’s readiness.
He underlined the significance of hosting the tournament on home soil as a vital advantage.
“I think we have everything we need to succeed. The players are well prepared and ready for the challenge. Playing at home, with thousands of Kenyan fans behind the team, gives us an extra boost. We’re excited and ready for the challenge. We want to create the surprise of the tournament,” he stated.
The Harambee Stars are set to open their campaign against the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday, August 3.
The match will be held at the newly refurbished Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, which is expected to be filled with local supporters eager to rally behind their national team.
Kenya’s ambitions are clear—defy expectations and emerge as one of the standout stories of CHAN 2024.
With the backing of a passionate home crowd and a squad hungry to prove itself, MacCarthy is banking on belief, preparation, and national pride to carry the team beyond the group stage.
