Harambee Stars defender explains why Kenya can shine at AFCON 2027
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 23.07.26. | 19:51
Tthe former Gor Mahia defender said the overwhelming support witnessed during CHAN convinced him that Kenya can compete with the continent's best at AFCON
Harambee Stars defender Alphonce Omija believes Kenya has what it takes to make a strong impression when they co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He says the backing of home supporters will give the national team a major advantage.
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Kenya will stage AFCON 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania, with the tournament set to run from 19 June to 17 July 2027.
It will mark the first time Africa's biggest football competition is hosted by three nations.
With expectations already building ahead of the tournament, the current Sahel Etoile defender is confident Harambee Stars can rise to the occasion and enjoy a memorable campaign on home soil.
Speaking on the Zoza Podcast, the former Gor Mahia defender said the overwhelming support Harambee Stars received during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) convinced him that Kenya can compete with the continent's best at AFCON.
He explained that playing in front of passionate home supporters gave the players confidence and removed the pressure that often comes with playing away from home.
According to the defender, hostile crowds can make life difficult for visiting teams, but the unity shown by Kenyan fans during CHAN, created an atmosphere that inspired the squad to perform.
He recalled that after Harambee Stars' opening match, captain Abud Omar reminded the players that thousands of supporters had turned up to cheer them on, and challenged the squad to reward that faith with committed performances.
The defender admitted the team also faced criticism from sections of the public before the tournament, but said the players chose to ignore the negativity and concentrate on the task at hand.
"I believe that as long as the atmosphere is not against you, things will go well. It is hard when you are playing an away game. For instance, if you go to play at Anfield, the pressure will be against you. But for us, we came to realise that the fans had come to support us, and they were united," he said.
"After our first match, Abud told us that the fans were standing with us and that we should not let them down. However, some fans had written us off, and there was bullying, but that is their nature."
"We understood everything that was being said, but the coach told us not to play under pressure, and thankfully things went well. I realize that as long as the fans are on my side, I will not be afraid."
The former Gor Mahia defender believes the experience gained during CHAN has strengthened the squad's belief ahead of AFCON.
Kenya enjoyed an impressive CHAN campaign on home soil, finishing top of Group A without losing a match after recording three wins and one draw.
However, the co-hosts' fairy tale run came to an end in the quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw against Madagascar, before losing 4-3 in the penalty shootout.