Kenya defender Aboud Omar has expressed confidence and composure ahead of his side’s opening CHAN 2024 Group A fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, insisting that the Harambee Stars are under no pressure going into Sunday’s encounter.
Speaking just a day before the highly anticipated match in Nairobi, the 32-year-old full-back, who currently plays for Police FC, conveyed a sense of calm within the Kenyan camp.
Omar, a veteran in the squad, believes that the presence of a few experienced players will help steer the team through what is expected to be a stern test against a former CHAN champion.
“I think it will be easy because we are three or four experienced players,” said Omar. “We constantly interact with these young players and motivate them. We also motivate ourselves, because it’s not just about us, but also about the country.”
Omar’s remarks, made during a pre-match media engagement, reflected a belief that Kenya’s blend of youth and experience could provide the edge needed to navigate the group stage.
His comments, however, also hinted at a level of overconfidence, particularly given the stature and pedigree of their opponents.
DR Congo, two-time CHAN winners, will be no easy opponent. But Omar maintains that Kenya’s players are mentally prepared and unshaken by the weight of expectation that comes with playing on home soil.
“There’s no pressure,” he said. “We all know we have to perform. The players are focused and calm. I just hope none of us are afraid of the crowd because we’re playing at home.”
Kenya, one of the tournament’s three co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda, will be banking on home advantage to get their campaign off to a strong start.
Sunday’s match, scheduled for 12:00 GMT at the Kasarani Stadium, could be a decisive moment in Group A, where they share the group with DR Congo, Morocco, Angola, and Zambia.
Omar’s confidence appears to be part of a broader attempt by the team’s leadership to instil self-belief within a largely youthful squad. While acknowledging the inexperience of several players, he stressed the importance of unity and national pride as motivating factors.
The Harambee Stars are aiming to make a statement in this year’s CHAN tournament, particularly as hosts. A victory over DR Congo would not only boost morale but also position them strongly in what is arguably one of the toughest groups in the competition.
Whether Omar’s confident words translate into performance on the pitch remains to be seen, but his message was clear: Kenya are ready to step into the spotlight, and the players are not letting pressure overshadow their ambitions.
With kickoff fast approaching, all eyes now turn to Kasarani Stadium, where Kenya’s resolve will be tested against a DR Congo side eager to reassert its dominance in the continental competition.
