Positives picked from Kenya's CHAN debut campaign
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Reading Time: 4min | Sun. 24.08.25. | 17:30
With Kenya expected to also host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), CHAN provided a perfect dry run for all stakeholders
There were plenty of positive lessons to pick from Kenya's campaign in the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Harambee Stars were competing in their maiden CHAN tournament as one of the co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania in a joint bid dubbed PAMOJA.
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Kenya was in Group A alongside Morocco, DR Congo, Angola and Zambia in what was described as the ‘Group of Death’ but in a remarkable manner managed to come out of the group unbeaten and on top.
Harambee Stars then proceeded to host the quarter final at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani on Friday, 22 August against Madagascar but were unfortunate to be on the losing end.
After a 1-1 draw both in regular and extra time, Madagascar emerged 4-3 victors in the shootout.
Mozzart Sport looks at six positive lessons that can be learnt from Kenya's maiden CHAN campaign.
Fans are back to the stadiums
One of the most important components of football is the fans. For a long time, the national team did not attract large numbers but Kenya's CHAN campaign brought back fans to the stadium.
The 48,000-seater Kasarani Stadium proved too small for the Kenyan supporters. From the young to the old, from the ones with football knowledge to the novice, the stadium was full.
In fact, a major catalyst to Kenya's impressive performance especially in the group stage was the support of the 12th man who cheered the team even during bad spells in the match.
Tickets of matches involving Harambee Stars were being sold out in less than an hour of sale with thousands of football fans failing to get tickets.
Football Kenya Federation must now do all it takes to maximize on the fan’s goodwill to grow the game, retain the fans and attract even more.
McCarthy's tactical prowess
For a very long time, Kenyan fans have complained of the tactical ineptitude of the Harambee Stars technical bench until Benni McCarthy showed up.
From his first match in charge; the 3-3 draw against the Gambia, fans could notice the tactical ability of the firmer South African international.
McCarthy proved his tactical know-how and adaptability when he named Manzur Okwaro, a defender in midfield against DR Congo to screen the defense and deal with DRC’s direct attacks.
The former Amazulu head coach proved his worth when he twice managed to hold on when Kenya was shown red cards in the first half against Angola and Morocco.
Unfortunately, the former Manchester United's strikers coach got it wrong in the quarter finals but Kenya still looked solid throughout the game.
Should he stay longer with the Harambee Stars, there are brighter days ahead.
Local players’ great spirit
Harambee Stars' foreign-based players have fir a long time faced heavy criticism from fans over their attitude and poor fighting spirit while turning out for the national team as compared to their clubs.
That was not the case with the local-based players. In fact, many thought that the CHAN squad gave more to the country than they do with their respective clubs.
The locals have now set the bar high and put their foreign-based counterparts on notice.
Motivation is key
Kenya's CHAN campaign also proved that with motivation, Kenya has the quality of players to perform well and better and become a force to reckon with in the continent.
President William Ruto's financial promises including the Ksh1 million per player for every win and Ksh0.5 million for a draw made the players to push beyond their limits which in turn resulted to better performances.
Standout performances from key players
There were quite a number of payers who produced standout performances in the tournament and to whom Kenyans can rely upon going forward.
From the young 19-year-old Manzur Okwaro to Byrne Omondi between the posts, from the central defense of Alphonce Omija, Mike Kibwage and Sylvester Owino to the industrious Ryan Ogam in attack, there were plenty of positives.
In midfield, Aloha Chris Onyango proved why he was considered as McCarthy's blue-eyed boy in midfield. Austin Odhiambo shouldered Kenya's burdens with pride and stepped up when he was asked to.
The CHAN tournament unearthed a new breath and caliber of players for the national team, away from the established players who have been in the system for long and sometimes with questionable performances.
Organizational lessons
The ongoing CHAN tournament also helped all football stakeholders including the government, the federation and the fans to learn of the rules and regulations required in hosting high level tournaments.
From ticket purchase to sitting arrangements and to VIP protocols, there were plenty of lessons to pick which some will be retained by the local clubs and the federation going forward.
The attention to detail by CAF has been something that everyone had to adjust to even if it meant through fines and bans.
With Kenya expected to also host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), CHAN provided a perfect dry run for all stakeholders.
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