CHAN 2024: Eric Ouma delivers special appeal to Harambee Stars
By Luke Oluoch, August 3, 2025Rakow Czeschotowa and Harambee Stars ace Erick ‘Marcello‘ Ouma has urged Kenyan football team players to go all out and play for the team’s glory and pride in their 2024 African Nations Championship opener against DR Congo this Sunday, August 3, 2025.
Kenya opens their continental campaign against the two-time winners this Sunday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, with Ouma urging the team to bear in mind the deep sense of commitment associated with donning the country’s badge.
“My brothers, The Harambee Stars…nothing beats playing at home for the badge and for the country. You got this! Make every moment count,” the Poland-based defender stated in a special appeal.
The former Gor Mahia left back’s plea comes after his national team counterpart, Michael Olunga, also challenged Benni McCarthy’s team with a passionate message of support.
In a video message on August 2, 2025, Olunga, who recently joined former Qatari champions Al-Arabi, encouraged his teammates to remain focused and determined ahead of the high-stakes match against DR Congo.
With you
“I take this opportunity to wish you success in the upcoming CHAN 2024. I know you guys are well prepared and motivated, starting from the players to the technical bench. And I know you are ready to achieve, and we are fully behind you,” he stated.
Furthermore, he emphasised that although he may not be physically present, his spirit is with the team.
“Supporting you from a distance. Go make it count; let’s go to Kenya,” he stated.
With the rallying calls continuing to pour in for the team as time ticks to the historic encounter, it remains to be seen if Harambee Stars players will rise to the occasion and join their Taifa Stars counterpart on a winning start.
Head coach McCarthy has already restated the significance of starting their campaign on a dream note, stressing that the feat will do well to calm nerves ahead of the arduous task of negotiating the tricky Group A, comprising five teams.
Tickets
The tickets for Kenya’s opening match, set for Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 3:00 pm, were sold out six days before the match.
The sell-out came days after the Local Organising Committee (LOC) chair, Nicholas Musonye, stated that there would be no ticket sales on match days during the competition, a move that was put in place to enhance crowd control and overall match security during matches.
The quick selling out of the matches is a statement of just how highly the tournament is being anticipated by fans around the country and the continent alike.