As the 2024 African Nations Championship kicks off on East African soil with all eyes on Kenya. The co-hosts and debutants at the final phase, drawn in what many analysts view as the “Group of Death.” Group A, based in Nairobi, features defending champions Morocco, two-time winners DR Congo, perennial contenders Zambia, and the unpredictable but disciplined Angola. Kenya’s dream of a deep home run rests on surviving this daunting gauntlet.
Host nation advantage aside, Kenya enters as the outsider, facing teams with proven continental pedigree. Morocco, the only nation to win consecutive CHAN titles (2018, 2020), arrive as overwhelming favourites, blending a strong domestic league with tactical acumen and high confidence after recent friendlies. DR Congo, twice champions themselves, bring physicality, experience, and a tradition of rising to big occasions.
Zambia, always dangerous and boasting a vibrant local league, have a tournament pedigree. Finally, Angola, finalists in 2011, are renowned for upsetting bigger names with their organised, physical game.
Kenya’s Hopes and Home Advantage
Kenya’s squad, largely comprised of top performers from the domestic league and guided by coach Benni McCarthy, is motivated for a historic first knockout qualification. The country’s preparations, bolstered by football fever and packed stadiums, provide real hope of lifting performance beyond prior results. “To win anything you’ve got to beat the best… How better than start this in your own backyard?” McCarthy remarked, underscoring the importance of home soil and a hungry, youthful squad unburdened by heavy expectations.
Qualification from Group A will require Kenya to blend tactical discipline with fearless ambition. Opening against DR Congo, the Harambee Stars must strike early and use home support to unsettle their rivals. A positive result here could lay the foundation for a pivotal clash with Angola. Traditionally resilient but beatable if Kenya’s attack clicks. The ultimate test awaits against Morocco, where even a point would boost qualification chances.
Realistically, Morocco and DR Congo are the favourites to qualify. Both boasting robust tournament experience and squad depth. Zambia and Angola, with their own ambitions, leave little margin for error. For Kenya, qualification is possible but will demand a near-perfect group stage campaign, aggressive starts, airtight defence, and a belief fueled by home crowds.