Wednesday night’s draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 brought drama and anticipation as co-hosts Kenya landed in what many are calling the tournament’s “Group of Death.”
The Harambee Stars, making their TotalEnergies CAF CHAN debut, will face two-time champions Morocco, two-time winners DR Congo, 2011 finalists Angola, and 2009 bronze medalists Zambia in Group A.
Kenya assistant coach John Kamau, however, views the challenge as an opportunity, not an obstacle. Speaking to CAFOnline.com, Kamau expressed optimism about the draw and its potential to inspire his team and the nation.
“I am happy with the draw,” Kamau stated confidently. “It speaks a lot in itself, and with such a draw, you have less to tell the players. The draw in itself is a motivation, not just for the players but for the whole country.”
For Kamau, the grouping’s competitive nature serves as a rallying cry. “All 19 teams are there to compete, and if you want to win, you must play against the best,” he added.
Kamau believes Group A could produce the tournament’s eventual winner. This notion, he says, should drive his players to rise to the occasion.
Group A: ✅#TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 pic.twitter.com/8P1FHQENnN– CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) January 15, 2025
“Whichever team emerges from this group has a great chance of going all the way. That’s the mindset we need to adopt as we prepare for August,” he said.
Kenya’s qualification as hosts comes with a responsibility to perform, and Kamau is adamant about thorough preparation. He outlined his plan to ensure the Harambee Stars are ready to compete against some of Africa’s most formidable teams.
“We have to plan well, starting immediately,” he said. “I will recommend monthly training camps to build team synergy and cohesion. By the time August arrives, we must have a strong and united team ready to take on the challenge.”
As first-time participants in the CHAN, Kenya has the chance to showcase its local talent on the continental stage.
The challenge of facing experienced and decorated opponents will test the team’s resolve, but Kamau insists the players are ready to embrace the moment.
“This is a huge opportunity for us to represent Kenya on a major platform. The players are motivated, and so are we as the technical bench. We are ready to give our best and make our country proud,” he concluded.
With just over seven months to prepare, the Harambee Stars will now focus on turning their CHAN debut into a memorable journey, one that could redefine their standing in African football.
