- Angola vs Kenya CHAN 2024 Group A match will be played on Thursday, August 7 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
- The match is set to kick off at 7:00 PM EAT.
- Kenya will be aiming for their second consecutive win on home soil, while Angola will be looking for their first victory of the tournament.
The men’s national team, Harambee Stars, will be looking to extend their impressive form in the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 when they face Angola on Thursday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani with kick-off set for 7:00 PM.
Benni McCarthy’s charges head into this crucial fixture buoyed by a hard-fought 1-0 victory over African giants and two-time champions DR Congo in their opening match last weekend.
The win was secured by a sublime first-half strike from the sensational Austin Odhiambo whose performance lit up the encounter.
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That opening triumph has significantly boosted the team’s morale and they will now be aiming for a second consecutive win which would enhance their chances of progressing to the knockout stages in Kenya’s first-ever appearance in this continental competition.
A win would also see them make history as the first team to claim back-to-back victories in their debut tournament, an achievement last recorded by Madagascar in 2022.
However, the clash promises to be a stern test, as Kenya must dig deep to overcome an Angolan side desperate to bounce back after a disappointing start.
They began their campaign on a sour note, falling 2-0 to two-time champions Morocco last Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium.
As a result, Angola currently ranked 85th in the world and 20th in Africa will be determined to recover from their opening defeat and secure their first points of the tournament against the in-form Harambee Stars.
Harambee Stars captain Omar highlights team readiness and high expectations versus Angola
Speaking ahead of the match, Kenya captain Aboud Omar emphasized that the team is fully focused on securing victory.
Angola lost their first match, and we know they’ll come out strongly looking for a win,” said Omar.
We must stay alert and approach this game with intensity. Apart from not wanting to lose, we’ve analyzed their gameplay and we’re prepared. Winning brings us closer to qualifying for the next stage.”
ALSO READ: Harambee Stars coach praises fans passion following packed Kenya vs Congo match
Despite the pressure, Omar is confident the squad will rise to the occasion.
Our team is very young, and many of us are making our debut in this tournament. Expectations are high and pressure is always there especially from our fans but it doesn’t matter whether there’s pressure or not. Our objective is clear: to win, qualify, and push for the trophy.”
Team news: Angola vs Kenya
It’s a setback for coach Benni McCarthy as key forward Masoud Juma is ruled out after sustaining a knock in the DR Congo game. His absence is expected to prompt tactical adjustments in the squad.
Meanwhile, Manzur Okwaro remains a doubt after being substituted in the same match due to injury. His fitness will be assessed before kick-off, and in the event he’s unfit, Boniface Muchiri and Marvin Nabwire are expected to start.
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For the Sables Antelopes, coach Pedro Gonçalves is likely to reshuffle his defensive line after their opening loss.
Changes are anticipated as he seeks to tighten the backline and revive their campaign.
Angola vs Kenya possible starting lineups
Kenya: Bryne Omondi; Daniel Sakari, Aboud Omar (Captain), Sylvester Owino, Alphonce Omija; Marvin Nabwire, David Sakwa, Alpha Onyango; Boniface Muchiri, Austin Odhiambo, Ryan Ogam.
Angola: Adilson Cipriano; Antonio Da Silva, Alberto Miguel, Joaquim Balanga, Deivi Vieira; Aguinaldo Matias, Afonso Marques, João Muanha; Victor Nanque, Joaquim Paciência, Eddie Afonso.
ALSO READ: Kenya vs Angola CHAN 2024: McCarthy warns Harambee Stars ahead of “very tactical” threat
Head-to-Head: Angola vs Kenya
The last meeting between the two sides was during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2011 qualifiers, where Angola edged Kenya 1-0.
Today’s clash promises to be a tightly contested encounter, with both teams eager to write a new chapter in their CHAN journey.