CHAN 2024: Harambee Stars out to extend 100% home record against Angola to boost quarters hopes
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 07.08.25. | 08:36
For Kenya, the motivation has been cranked up tonight. A win will not only galvanise their chances of progressing but also earn each player a Ksh1 million bonus
Harambee Stars return to action on Thursday, 7 August, at 7 PM at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, where they take on Angola in a high-stakes 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) group clash.
A second straight win could push Kenya closer to a historic quarterfinal appearance in what is their debut in the biennial tournament reserved exclusively for players who ply their trade in their respective domestic leagues.
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Kenya kick started their campaign with a solid 1-0 win over DR Congo, the joint-record CHAN champions. Austin Odhiambo’s well-taken first-half stoppage time strike was enough to seal the points in front of a sold-out Kasarani crowd that created an electric atmosphere.
Angola had a sterner start, going down 2-0 to Morocco at Nyayo Stadium. Despite dominating possession and creating chances, they were made to pay for their wastefulness, with a late own goal adding to their frustration. The result, however, did not reflect the effort Angola put into the match.
Harambee Stars and Angola have locked horns four times in history, all in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for the 2008 and 2012 editions.
Kenya has won all their home matches in the qualifiers, while Angola have registered a similar feat, with a draw yet to be registered between the two nations.
For Kenya, the motivation has been cranked up tonight. A win will not only galvanise their chances of progressing but also earn each player a Ksh1 million bonus, the same reward they received after their opening day victory.
However, head coach Benni McCarthy has called for calm and focus ahead of what he expects to be another challenging encounter.
“Nothing is done yet. That was just one win, an important one, but we have to remain focused. We faced a very tough opponent and worked hard to get that result, but we shouldn’t let it get into our heads,” McCarthy said during Wednesday’s press conference.
“The focus now shifts squarely to Angola, and the ambition is the same: go in and fight for maximum points.”
While Angola are known for their possession-based style, McCarthy made it clear that he is not concerned about how much of the ball his team has.
“I don’t care even if we have 30 or 40 per cent possession. What matters to me is that we’re able to get the win from that match. We saw against Morocco, Angola had almost 60 per cent possession, but at the end of the day, it’s the scoreline that matters,” he added.
Kenya may be forced into a change in attack, with striker Masoud Juma a doubt due to injury.
“Unfortunately, I am having to make changes because Masoud picked up an injury,” said McCarthy. “We are still hopeful it is a minor issue and does not develop into something more serious.”
Angola head coach Pedro Gonçalves acknowledged that Kenya’s home crowd at Kasarani was a major factor in their opening-day win.
“We saw in the first game that the stadium was full and they enjoyed a lot of support. That definitely gives them a good advantage,” Gonçalves stated.
He praised the physicality and pace of the Kenyan side but insists his players know what is required to bounce back.
“They are a very good team, with athletic and quick players, so we’re going to face a side that is twice as hard to beat.
But we know what is required of us, and we know what we need to do. We have to try and bounce back from the opening day disappointment.”
