The Harambee Stars starting XI for their crucial Group A encounter against Angola at the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 has been named.

Head coach Benni McCarthy has retained much of the team that edged DR Congo 1-0 in their opening match, with captain Abud Omar again leading the squad from the back.

Kenya’s lineup includes Byrne Omondi in goal, with a defensive trio of Sakari, Abud Omar, and Owino. The midfield will be marshalled by Omija, Manzur, and Nabwire. Upfront, Austin Odhiambo, who scored the winner in the first game, Boniface Muchiri, and Omondi will look to deliver the goals.

Substitutes include Faruk, Kibwage, Stanley, Michira, Odongo, Erambo, Bandi, Oluoch, Ogam, Okumu, and Sakwa, providing ample options for McCarthy.

“Nothing is done yet,” McCarthy cautioned ahead of the fixture. “That was just one win, an important one, but we have to remain focused. The ambition is the same: go in and fight for maximum points.”

Winning over possession talk

The South African tactician downplayed concerns over possession statistics, insisting that winning is all that matters.

“Even if we have 30 or 40 per cent possession, what matters is that we’re able to get the win.”

His sentiments were echoed by defender Alphonce Omija, who emphasised the team’s readiness.

“Mentally, physically, and tactically, we’ve done everything to get ourselves in the right frame. We know that we carry the hopes of 55 million Kenyans on our shoulders, and we cannot let them down.”

Meanwhile, Angola are looking to rebound from a 2-0 defeat to Morocco in their opening match.

Angolan defender Eddie Afonso noted that the team has reflected on its mistakes.

“We sat down and looked at our mistakes. We reflected on what we did wrong and also on what we did right. We have drawn up the strategy we’ll take into the game against Kenya.”

With both teams chasing a place in the knockout stages, tonight’s clash at the Moi International Sports Centre promises to be an intense and high-stakes encounter. Kick-off is set for 7:00 pm.