Why Harambee Stars legend Arnold Origi is convinced Kenya can lift CHAN

Former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Arnold Origi is convinced Kenya has what it takes to go all the way and clinch their maiden African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown on debut, pointing to the team’s defensive solidity and attacking verve as the key ingredients of their impressive run.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

Speaking to NTV in the aftermath of the group stage, Origi, who is currently attached to Swedish side Östersunds FK and doubles up as goalkeeper coach, praised Kenya’s tactical balance, arguing that the side has displayed the hallmarks of a championship-winning team.

CHAN2024: Ticketing hitches for Harambee Stars' quarters against Madagascar explained

“I love the defensive structure; it’s the best in the tournament. They are playing tournament football. Once they score, they lock games at the back.

To be honest, at that level, if you have a good offensive structure, it wins you games, but a good defensive structure wins you championships,” Origi said.

Harambee Stars have been near-impenetrable, conceding just one goal in their four Group A matches, the best defensive record in the competition.

The backline, marshalled by Michael Kibwage, Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija, Aboud Omar, Lewis Bandi, Siraj Mohamed and Daniel Sakari, has formed a solid rearguard that has frustrated even the most potent of opponents.

On the attacking front, Kenya has been equally ruthless, with Ryan Ogam, Austin Odhiambo, Boniface Muchiri, Ben Stanley, and David Sakwa combining to score four goals, with Ogam and Odhiambo scoring two goals apiece.

Government provides update on construction of Ksh800 million Ithookwe Stadium [PHOTOS]

Those strikes proved decisive in landmark victories over two-time champions Morocco and DR Congo, as well as a win against Zambia and a hard-fought draw against Angola, a run that underscored Origi’s confidence in the side under coach Benni McCarthy.

Origi, once Kenya’s undisputed number one, believes what sets the Harambee Stars apart in this campaign is their ability to adapt to the demands of knockout football.

He highlighted Kenya’s resilience in grinding out results, even when playing with ten men against Morocco and Angola, as evidence of their mental strength.

“If they win the whole thing, I won’t be surprised. What I have seen in the group stage is enough to convince me they can go all the way,” added the former Tusker FC custodian.

Six Lessons from Kenya’s CHAN group stage performance

Kenya, who topped Group A with 10 points, now face Madagascar in the first quarter-final scheduled for Friday, 22 August, at Kasarani Stadium. Madagascar advanced after finishing second in Group B.

Elsewhere in the last eight, Morocco's Atlas Lions will take on Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, Senegal’s Lions of Teranga will clash with Uganda Cranes, while Sudan is set to face Algeria in what promises to be a thrilling knockout round.

A win for Kenya would set up a semi-final clash against the winner between Sudan and Algeria, with a place in the grand final at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday, 30 August, at stake.