‘History Counts for Nothing’ - Harambee Stars Captain Downplays ‘Group of Death’ Fears Ahead of CHAN 2024

Harambee Stars captain Aboud Omar has dismissed the notion that Kenya faces an uphill task during the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024) due to their tough group.

Kenya are in what has been described as the ‘Group of Death’ that has Morocco and DR Congo, both two-time winners of the competition, COSAFA champions Angola and Zambia and few are giving Benni McCarthy’s team a chance to advance.

However, captain Omar is unfazed by the pedigree of the other four teams in Group A as he feels past success will not define the present.

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“Yes, it is a tough pool with countries which have been there and done well. DRC and Morocco have both won this tournament twice while Angola and Zambia have always progressed well,” Omar told Telecomasia.net.

“However, for us, history counts for nothing. That was their performance then, but football is about today. We respect them and know it will not be easy, but we are not going in with our tails between our legs. We are going with confidence knowing that we have a good ability to compete and compete well.

“An example is in the just concluded FKF Cup; Nairobi United played against the most experienced teams in the league and beat them. In the final, they played against Gor Mahia, a team with the highest form of history in the country and won. So, this shows that football does not respect history.”

Omar is counting on the tactical and mental preparations that Harambee Stars have had and believes there is enough quality in the squad to make it to the knockout rounds and beyond.

“We have been preparing really well and everyone looks very much sharp and focused. Psychologically, physically and mentally we are ready,” he added.

“We have just come from concluding the season and everyone is match fit and the game awareness is still very much on. We are preparing from a high point. The mood is right and the support we have received so far is great.”

Harambee Stars will begin their CHAN 2024 campaign with a match against DR Congo on August 3.