Kenya's National team Harambee Stars has been pooled with African giants Morocco in Group A of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 Tournament.
Football Kenya Federation president McDonald Mariga however believes the Harambee Stars are well prepared to perform well in the tournament.
"We are undoubtedly in the group of death, but I believe we have prepared adequately for any opponent," Mariga stated.
Harambee Stars will also face Angola, DR Congo and Zambia in group A of the continental tournament.
Speaking at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre during the Chan 2024 draw, Mvurya urged the three east African football federations to ensure that their respective national teams are well-prepared for the task ahead.
"I would like to use the presidents of the three east African football federations.It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this occasion on behalf of Kenya's President, William Ruto. It's an occasion we do to take for granted," Mvurya said.
"I would like to congratulate our three heads of state on their commitment to hosting the tournament.We welcome CAF's decision to move the tournament to August, as it will give us more time to prepare our infrastructure and national team. It has breathed new life into the three countries." he continued.
"This tournament is a practice run for the Africa Cup of Nations. We also want to ensure that our national teams do well. It is also an opportunity to promote our tourism." Added Mvurya.
Group A: Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia.
Group B: Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central Africa.
Group C: Uganda, Niger, Guinea
Group D: Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria.
*Some two teams are yet to confirm participation.
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) confirmed that the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) has been postponed until August.
Originally scheduled to kick off on February 1 and run through February 28 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, the decision to delay the tournament came just days before the first match, raising questions about the readiness of the host nations.
Caf’s statement cited expert advice indicating that “more time is required” to ensure that the infrastructure and facilities meet the necessary standards for hosting such a prestigious tournament.
The postponement highlights the challenges associated with organizing an international sporting event, even as the region prepares for its first-time hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027.
As recent as last month, Kenya’s former sports minister reassured fans and stakeholders that the country would not lose its hosting rights. However, the latest development suggests that urgent improvements are needed.
Caf president Patrice Motsepe expressed confidence in the host nations’ ability to meet required standards, stating, “I am confident that the stadiums, other infrastructure, and facilities will be at the requisite Caf standards for hosting, in August 2025, a very successful CHAN.”
Despite the disappointment of players and fans, some countries have already begun training camps and announced their squads for the tournament.
The delay may serve as a critical opportunity for the host nations to refine their preparations, ensuring a successful event that showcases domestic-based talent from across the continent.
