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A former Harambee Stars forward has warned Benni McCarthy why Kenyans will be in little mood to celebrate if the side fails to win the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) on home soil.
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has been warned Kenyans will be very unforgiving if the national team fails to reach the final of the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) on home soil, with Kasarani Stadium now confirmed as the arena that will host the final.
McCarthy, who took charge of the national team in March, has overseen four games, during which the side has drawn twice, lost once and won once, with their recent international assignments being the back-to-back clashes against Chad in Morocco last June.
McCarthy is set to have nearly five weeks to prepare the side for their continental assignment, with the tournament also set to be hosted in Uganda and Tanzania.
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Kenya will play all their group stage matches on home soil, which should be an added advantage for them, and it is thus expected that large crowds will fill up the stadia.
‘They Will Not Be Forgiven’ – Onsika Issues Stark Warning
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Now, former forward Elijah Onsika has revealed the pressure will be higher than ever for McCarthy’s charges to perform.
Onsika says the expectations are clear: nothing short of a final appearance will be acceptable.
“It doesn’t matter how they will do it, but every Kenyan will be looking forward to seeing Harambee Stars play in the final on home soil,” Onsika told Flashscore.
“I don’t think they will have any other option but to reach the final. The decision by CAF to pick Kasarani for the closing ceremony and final definitely puts the team under pressure to qualify for the grand finale.”
Onsika emphasised that this could be Kenya’s best opportunity to win a major trophy, noting that while the country has featured in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), it has never lifted the title. This CHAN appearance—Kenya’s first ever—offers a unique chance, especially with home support behind the team.
All Eyes on McCarthy’s Squad
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“Kenyans will not be happy to see two foreign teams square it out in the final. The best Harambee Stars can offer is to reach the final and win the trophy. They will not be forgiven if they fail. If they don’t reach the final, then it will be a disastrous campaign.”
He also referenced the achievements of the 1987 All-Africa Games team, which reached the final despite being placed in a tough group.
“What Harambee Stars did in 1987 was incredible despite not winning the title. A final is a game that can go either way, and losing it was still better than falling out in the group stages. The current squad should be reminded of that legacy and challenged to go one step further.”
Onsika concluded by urging McCarthy to select the best players available and maintain a clear focus on winning the competition.
“We have a good crop of players capable of performing in CHAN. Now it’s up to the coach to pick the right squad and lead with a clear objective.”
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