Although Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga won’t be part of the squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), his support for the team remains strong.
Olunga is among several foreign-based players ineligible to feature in the competition, which is exclusively reserved for footballers playing in their domestic leagues. Despite being sidelined, the star striker is closely following the team’s progress as they gear up for a tough campaign in what has been dubbed the “Group of Death.”
Kenya will face heavyweights Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia in the group stage—a daunting challenge by all measures. The presence of two-time champions Morocco and DR Congo, 2009 finalists Angola, and COSAFA Cup title holders Zambia, makes Kenya’s path to the knockout stage extremely difficult.
Still, Olunga remains optimistic and is clearly fired up by the prospect of a regional rivalry rekindled. Taking to social media, he shared his desire to see Kenya face Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in the knockout rounds, with the aim of knocking them out.
“If we get past the group stage, can we be drawn against Tanzania either at home or away so that we finish this once and for all,” he wrote.
The post included a throwback clip of his memorable goal against Tanzania at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, a match in which Kenya came from behind to win 3-2. That victory was a highlight in Kenya’s recent dominance over their East African rivals, having gone unbeaten in their last five meetings—three wins and two draws.
Back home, Benni McCarthy’s side has been putting in the work ahead of their CHAN 2024 opener, which kicks off on Sunday, August 3, at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium against DR Congo.