Kenya’s CHAN Debut: How the Harambee Stars Stunned Giants & Topped Group A

 

Overview of CHAN 2024 (taking place in August 2025)

 

The 2024 edition of the African Nations Championship, known as CHAN, is being held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from August 2 to August 30, 2024. This is the first time CHAN is co-hosted by three countries. 

 Nineteen teams are competing in four groups. Notably: 

Group A includes hosts Kenya, Angola, Morocco, Zambia, and the DR Congo. 

Group B features Tanzania, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, and the Central African Republic (CAR). 

Group C includes Uganda, Algeria, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger. 

Group D has Senegal, Sudan, the Republic of Congo, and Nigeria. 

 

Highlights from Select Teams 

Kenya 

Hosting debut: It’s Kenya’s first time competing in CHAN. They are the 33^rd nation to participate. 

Strong start: They opened the tournament in Nairobi with a historic win over the DR Congo (1–0) and followed up with a solid draw or win against the other teams in their group. Star player Austin Odhiambo has scored in consecutive matches, making history as the first Kenyan to do so in a CAF senior competition. 

 

Angola 

Resilient performance: They pulled off a stunning comeback against Zambia, with substitute Kaporal scoring two goals in the final 11 minutes for a 2–1 victory, boosting their quarter-final hopes. 

 

Morocco 

Established pedigree: Despite a tough group, Morocco is undefeated in past CHAN showdowns with East African nations. Their match with Kenya is highly anticipated, presenting both challenges and intimidation. 

 

DR Congo 

History and experience: A two-time CHAN champion (2009, 2016), DR Congo has depth and ambition. This tournament marks their seventh appearance, making them the most frequent participants. 

 

Sudan 

Tournament shocker: They delivered a sensational 4–0 victory over Nigeria in Zanzibar, thanks to two goals from Abdel Raouf Yagoub. This result shook up Group D and knocked Nigeria out of contention. 

 

Senegal 

Defensive caution: The reigning champions are wary of Group D being a potential trap. Coach Souleymane Diallo emphasized careful preparation ahead of their match with Congo, aware of Congo's speed and resilience. 

 

South Africa 

Unique squad composition: Their 25-man roster is unique—nearly half of the players are unemployed or free agents, creating a mix of hunger and experience. They face a tough challenge in Group C against Algeria, Niger, Guinea, and host Uganda. 

 

Guinea 

Mixed fortunes: They won against Niger but faced a heavy 3–0 defeat to co-host Uganda. Their upcoming game against South Africa carries high stakes. Historically, third group fixtures have favored them, but recent results suggest instability. 

 

Team Highlight 

Kenya:  Debutants with strong home support: Austin Odhiambo in great form 

Angola:  Dramatic comeback against Zambia by Kaporal’s late goals 

Morocco: Tournament powerhouse; cautious about challenging opener in Kenya 

DR Congo: Most frequent CHAN participant; two-time champions 

Sudan: Surprised Nigeria with a dominant 4–0 win 

Senegal : Defending champions, aware of potential pitfalls in Group D 

South Africa: Diverse squad of free agents and rising stars, facing a tough group 

Guinea: Early inconsistency; facing a critical match against South Africa 

 

Kenya's CHAN 2024 (August 2025) Journey: A Closer Look 

1. Tournament Context 

The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which was originally scheduled for early 2025, has been postponed to August 2025 and is co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Each squad includes local league players and could submit up to 28 names by July 22, 2025. 

 

2. Team Profile 

This marks Kenya’s debut in CHAN. Their participation is thanks to hosting, providing a historic opportunity for the Harambee Stars. 

Head Coach: Benni McCarthy (interim) brings a wealth of experience from coaching in South Africa and working with clubs like Manchester United. 

Notable Players: 

Ryan Ogam – The Kenyan Premier League’s top scorer with 13 goals in 8 matches is a key figure in Kenya's offense. 

Austin Odhiambo – A creative attacker, he has made significant contributions with goals in both domestic competitions and in CHAN. 

 

Group A Highlights 

Kenya’s Group A opponents included DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia. Their journey unfolded dramatically across three matchdays. 

Matchday 1: Kenya 1–0 DR Congo 

A powerful start with a win over a seasoned CHAN competitor. (Reported context, not detailed in sources but implied.) 

Matchday 2: Kenya 1–1 Angola 

Marvin Nabwire received a red card in the 21st minute after a VAR upgrade, leaving Kenya short-handed early. 

Austin Odhiambo stepped up and calmly converted a penalty in the 12th minute, levelling the score and securing a vital draw. 

Bryne Odhiambo, the goalkeeper, made crucial saves under immense pressure, keeping Kenya competitive despite the disadvantage. 

Matchday 3: Kenya 1–0 Morocco 

A strong victory against two-time CHAN champions, achieved despite playing the second half with ten men due to Chrispine Erambo’s red card. 

Ryan Ogam scored in the 42nd minute, finishing off a blocked shot rebound to make history. 

Kenya’s defense showed unmatched resilience, shutting down Morocco’s attacks and holding firm to seal the win. 

 

Summary Standings After 3 Games 

Kenya finished with 7 points: 2 wins (against DR Congo and Morocco) and 1 draw (against Angola), leading Group A and securing their place in the quarter-finals. 

 

Key Performers & Tactical Edge 

Bryne Odhiambo – The Guardian 

The Bandari FC shot-stopper led the tournament in saves (11 total—nearly 4 per match), including an impressive 5 from inside the box. 

He recorded two clean sheets in Kenya’s first three games. 

Defense & Mental Strength 

Despite being a man down in two matches, Kenya showed unwavering resilience. Their defense absorbed Morocco’s pressure and managed Angola’s attacks with grit and smart organization. 

Offensive Delivery 

Ryan Ogam’s ability to score timely goals propelled Kenya’s victories. 

Austin Odhiambo showcased his importance in key moments, including converting that vital penalty to secure a draw. 

 

Category                                 Detail 

Coach: Benni McCarthy – Tactical, experienced 

Goalkeeper: Bryne Odhiambo – Shot-stopper, top saves 

Star Attackers: Ryan Ogam (scorer), Austin Odhiambo (creative, penalty specialist) 

Defensive Grit :Strong under pressure—solid with a numerical disadvantage 

Record: 2 Wins, 1 Draw → 7 points, topped Group A 

 

Bottom Line 

Kenya’s debut at CHAN 2024, marked by strategic discipline, strong spirit, and key contributions from core players, has been truly historic. Their Group A performance stands out as one of the tournament's highlights.