Gor Mahia's Alpha Onyango, who captained Harambee Stars earlier this month, has revealed what they must do to overcome a tough Group A of the upcoming CHAN 2024 in August on home soil.
Gor Mahia midfielder Alpha Onyango has revealed what Harambee Stars must do to be able to get out of the group stage at the upcoming African Nations Championships (CHAN) which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Onyango, who made his Harambee Stars debut earlier this month, even captaining the team on his second cap during their 2-1 win over Chad, was speaking to Nation Sport after Stars’ Group A roadmap was revealed by CAF earlier this week.
Although Kenya will be hosting all their games at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, they have their work cut out to make it out of a group that also comprises Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia and Angola.
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The 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, is set to kick off with an action-packed opening weekend in Nairobi.
On Sunday, 3 August, Nairobi will host two Group A matches. Hosts Kenya will begin their campaign at 3:00 PM EAT (12:00 GMT) against Democratic Republic of Congo at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Later that evening, Morocco will face Angola at 6:00 PM EAT (15:00 GMT) at Nyayo Stadium.
Over in Tanzania, the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will host a third match that day, with Madagascar taking on Mauritania at 8:00 PM EAT (17:00 GMT).
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The group action shifts to Kampala, Uganda, on Monday, 4 August, where co-hosts Uganda will play Algeria at 8:00 PM EAT (17:00 GMT). Preceding that fixture, Niger will face Guinea at 5:00 PM EAT (14:00 GMT) at the same venue.
The Third Place Play-Off is scheduled for Friday, 29 August at Mandela Stadium in Kampala, kicking off at 6:00 PM EAT (15:00 GMT).
The CHAN 2025 Final will be held on Saturday, 30 August at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, with kick-off set for 6:00 PM EAT (15:00 GMT).
Onyango: We Will Be Prepared For DRC
Although Onyango has acknowledged that Group 'A' is tough, he has tipped Kenya, coached by South African football legend Benni McCarthy, to give a good account of themselves on home soil.
"Facing former champions in the opening match will not be easy," observed the midfielder who hopes to be selected to represent Kenya in the tournament.
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"I know Kenya will be prepared for our first match, and the task ahead. It is not an easy pool, but I know the players who will be selected will be ready to perform. The trick will be to take one match at a time. I am confident the team will give a good account of itself," Onyango said.
Onyango: Playing in Nairobi a Huge Advantage
Meanwhile, Onyango believes playing in front of the home crowd will be to Kenya’s advantage as it will allow them to take on all four sides buoyed by the atmosphere that will be generated at Kasarani.
"It is a big advantage that Kenya will be playing at home. The players will need to give their best, taking each match as a final. They must respect each opponent, be they former champions, or teams making their debut in the tournament."
"It is a big advantage that Kenya will be playing at home. The players will need to give their best, taking each match as a final. They must respect each opponent, be they former champions, or teams making their debut in the tournament."
Onyango, who has been impressive for Gor Mahia this season, scoring five goals from midfield as the side got to the FKF Cup final and finished second in the league, hopes he continues making an impression to work his way into Benni McCarthy’s final squad for the tournament.
"I look forward to playing in Chan, but the decision rests with the coach. Given the opportunity, I will give my best and represent my team in the best way," he said.
With passionate support from the stands and determination from within, Onyango believes the Harambee Stars can rise to the occasion and make their mark in the first CHAN tournament ever hosted on home soil.