Kenyans demand more success following their first victory at the Chan tournament
The Kenyan football team, Harambee Stars, has been turning heads in the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with their impressive performances. After a series of tactically sound games, they secured a 1-0 victory over DR Congo, raising hopes of progressing far in the tournament.
The victory took place at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, with Austine Odhiambo scoring the winning goal just before half-time. The midfielder's goal marked the first-ever goal for Kenya in the Chan tournament.
Head coach Benni McCarthy praised his team for their brave and tactical performance, employing disciplined and pragmatic tactics. The team's play balances defensive robustness with progressive passing, especially through players like Alpha Onyango and Odhiambo, with McCarthy's tactical choices emphasizing protection of the back four to maximize attack opportunities.
McCarthy made a surprise decision to play centre-back Manzur Suleiman in a defensive midfield role, which proved effective in breaking up DR Congo's play and helping Kenya keep control. This strategic move allowed creative players like Odhiambo to operate freely, contributing to the team's victory.
Harambee Stars displayed resilience throughout the group stage, notably beating Morocco 1-0 with only 10 men for almost an entire half. Ryan Ogam scored the winning goal against Morocco, a tactical change resulting from a rotated squad by McCarthy, who rested some regulars to bring in fresh legs and maintain balance under pressure.
Defensive discipline was maintained despite a red card, with captain Mike Kibwage leading the backline effectively after coming into central defense. Key players have included Odhiambo, Onyango, Ogam, Kibwage, Manzur, Chrispine Erambo, and Ben Stanley, who were introduced during tactical shifts.
As the team prepares for their next match against Angola on Thursday, Kenyan fans are dreaming and demanding more from the team. The country is now fully behind Harambee Stars, with Chris Diaz and Njanjo Andrew expressing pride and excitement on social media. Another fan, Njanjo Andrew, expressed excitement about the upcoming weeks of football from all the national teams.
However, the team's fate is not yet secured, as they still have to finalize qualification from Group A. Despite having seven points after the Morocco win, other results in the group like Angola’s performance are affecting standings. The team's tactical approach continues to rely on a compact defense, strategic substitutions, and counter-attacks.
Fans are calling the upcoming match against Angola another must-win show. With their eyes on the prize, Harambee Stars will look to continue their impressive run in the CHAN 2024 tournament.
The Harambee Stars' tactical approach in the European leagues could resemble their current gameplay in the CHAN 2024, focusing on a combination of defensive robustness, strategic substitutions, and counter-attacks, much like their victory against DR Congo. With their sights set on the Premier League, the midfielders, especially Odhiambo, might emit sparks of brilliance to help secure qualification from Group A.
