Harambee Stars winger on how military training has come in handy during CHAN

Harambee Stars winger Boniface Muchiri has credited his military background for instilling the resilience, discipline, and unity that proved crucial in Kenya’s impressive run at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).

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Speaking in an interview with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) TV station, the Ulinzi Stars vice-captain reflected on how rigorous drills and lessons from the barracks translated into mental toughness on the pitch.

"When we went down to ten men, this was our moment and we couldn’t give up. We had to double our effort, play as a unit, and win as a team. That’s the same teaching from the forces: you can’t go alone, you have to move together,” Muchiri explained.

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Muchiri’s remarks were shaped by two defining moments of Kenya’s campaign, the hard-fought one-all draw against Angola and the historic 1-0 victory over Morocco.

Handed his first start of the tournament against Angola, the winger was thrust into an intense contest that turned sour in the 17th minute.

Just five minutes after Austin Odhiambo had cancelled out Angola’s opener, Kenya suffered a major setback when Marvin Nabwire was sent off for a reckless challenge on Deivi Viera.

Reduced to ten men for more than 75 minutes, head coach Benni McCarthy was forced to sacrifice Muchiri for defender Michael Kibwage.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Harambee Stars held on for a priceless point, a display that underlined their grit and tactical discipline.

Three days later against Morocco, the challenge was even steeper.

Muchiri started once again, and in the 42nd minute, Ryan Ogam netted the decisive strike to hand Kenya a stunning 1-0 lead over the two-time CHAN champions.

Moments before halftime, however, Kenya was reduced to ten men for the second consecutive match, this time after Tusker midfielder Chrispine Erambo was dismissed for a clumsy tackle on Anass Mahraoui.

Yet again, Kenya dug deep.

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Muchiri, substituted midway through the second half, watched his teammates preserve the narrow lead in one of the most memorable victories in recent Harambee Stars history.

For Muchiri, these defining battles brought out the value of his military upbringing.

"Military training has really shaped me in terms of discipline and mental toughness. You have to be ready, aggressive, and able to adapt to any situation. That made a big difference in both matches,” he said.

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A one-time FKF Premier League champion with Tusker FC in 2020/21, the former Sony Sugar and Nzoia Sugar forward has featured in all three of Kenya’s group-stage fixtures helping Harambee Stars to amass seven points .

Kenya’s resilience in their debut CHAN championship has paid off handsomely.

With two wins including triumphs over two-time champions Morocco and DR Congo and a draw against Angola, Harambee Stars booked their spot in the quarter-finals.

Their qualification was sealed after DR Congo defeated Angola, leaving Kenya with the head-to-head advantage over the North and Central African giants.

Kenya now sits atop Group A with seven points, ahead of Morocco and Congo, both tied on six.

Stars will complete their group campaign against an already-eliminated Zambia on Sunday, 17 August eyeing top spot and a more favourable quarter-final draw.

Should they finish first, Kenya will face Mauritania at Kasarani Stadium on Friday, 21, August.

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For Muchiri, however, the journey is already memorable.

"It is an amazing feeling to have contributed to the team’s success, especially the famous win against tournament favourites. This tournament has been about showing character, and I am proud to be part of it,” he concluded.