- Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has urged Kenyans to rally behind Morocco in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 final against Madagascar, set for this Saturday.
- The final will take place at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 PM EAT.
- Defending champions Senegal will face Sudan in the third-place playoff on Friday at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda, as they look to end their tournament on a high note.
Former Harambee Stars Captain Victor Wanyama has urged Kenyans to rally behind Morocco in the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 final, set to be staged this Saturday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, from 6:00 PM EAT.
Speaking to Citizen TV, Wanyama encouraged Kenyan fans not to lose interest in the tournament, despite the national team’s elimination, and to turn out in large numbers for the final showdown between Morocco versus Madagascar.
I understand the disappointment many Kenyans are feeling after our elimination, but even though we are not in the final, I urge supporters to show up and back the team they feel most connected to,” Wanyama stated.
Morocco booked their spot in the final after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over defending champions Senegal, winning 1(5)–1(3) on Tuesday night in Uganda.
They will face Madagascar, who edged past Sudan 1-0 in extra time during their semi-final clash in Tanzania.
ALSO READ: CHAN 2024: Morocco defeat Senegal on penalties to set up decider against Madagascar
Kenya, making their debut appearance in CHAN, failed to advance past the quarterfinals, having been eliminated by Madagascar in a penalty shootout.
This came after an impressive group stage performance where they topped their group with 10 points.
Victor Wanyama urges Kenyans to back Morocco in CHAN 2024 final vs Madagascar
Having faced both finalists during the group stage; beating Morocco 1-0 despite being a man down, and narrowly losing to Madagascar, Wanyama believes Kenya had what it took to reach the final.
He expressed his lingering frustration over a disallowed goal in the quarterfinal clash against Madagascar.
Personally, I would like Kenyans to support Morocco in the final. Madagascar knocked us out under controversial circumstances one of our goals was wrongly disallowed, and that still stings. I genuinely believe Kenya deserved to be in that final.
That’s football, though. On Saturday, I’ll be cheering for Morocco,” said the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder.
As the Atlas Lions prepare to face the Barea Boys in the final, defending champions Senegal will aim to finish on a high when they meet Sudan in the third-place playoff on Friday at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda.
ALSO READ: CHAN 2024: 10-man Madagascar beat Sudan in extra time to reach historic final
Kenyans only need to turn up for the final and support the team of their choice as they also look forward to the Harambee Stars’ next assignment: the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles on September 5 and 9, both to be held at Kasarani Stadium.