Thirty-seven years since Kenya’s silver-medal fairytale at the 1987 All-Africa Games, the dream of continental football glory has been reignited, and with CHAN 2024 being played on home soil, Harambee Stars find themselves standing on the edge of history once more.

Former Harambee Stars coach James Nandwa, one of the country’s football legends who took part in the 1987 showpiece, believes there is nothing to scare the home boys in the CHAN 2024 tournament.

For Nandwa, unity of purpose within the team, backed by home fans, can lead the team to the promised land, a place the country has only dreamed of reaching.

“Let us work as a team because at this moment, there are no big teams or underdogs in football; the ball is rolling. Let us understand how to defend as a unit and attack. I believe we will surprise a lot of people,” Nandwa told People Sports.

Nandwa, who had a short stint as Harambee Stars coach between 2012 and 2013, vividly remembers how they nearly stopped the continent when they first marched into Kasarani Stadium in 1987.

For that class, which was on the brink of history, preparations, belief, and the home crowd were critical in their journey to the final, where they narrowly lost to Egypt.

Home ground advantage

“During our days, we really pushed ourselves to achieve something great for the country. For instance, we faced Cameroon in the group stage. We were never afraid of them, though they seemed unplayable at the time. Our motivating factor was that we were playing at home, in front of our people.”

“The fans also played a big role. They came in large numbers. I remember during the Harambee Stars matches, the Chinese contractors who had constructed the stadium were worried about the large crowds. They would walk around the stadium to check if everything was okay. They feared that if Kenya scored, the crowd would go into a frenzy. Fans were still walking along the roads, heading to town as late as 9 pm after our matches,” Nandwa recalled.

German coach Reinhard Fabisch had instilled fearlessness in the players, especially during their one-month top-level training camp in Germany ahead of the tournament.

“The most important thing going into such big tournaments is preparation. Before the 1987 football championship at the All-Africa Games, we went to Germany for a month-long special camp. We played a number of friendly matches and then went to Egypt. We faced Egypt in a build-up match and unfortunately lost 2-1.

“However, after that trip to Germany and Egypt, Harambee Stars became unbeatable. Every team we faced in our subsequent friendlies, we beat them thoroughly. The mood in the camp was superb, and every player was mentally and physically ready for the All-Africa Games.”

“The players’ fitness and morale levels were high. Everyone was eager to put on the Kenyan jersey and contribute. Coach Fabisch had already settled on his first eleven, a line-up even the fans could recite, from goalkeeper to striker. Even the substitutes were solid, and the preparation abroad was really helpful,” Nandwa added with a nostalgic smile.

Sunday’s magic

Kenya opened their account with a 1-0 triumph over Tunisia at a packed Kasarani and went on to earn a crucial point against continental heavyweights Cameroon in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

The unfazed Stars wrapped up their Group A matches with a 2-1 win over Madagascar, advancing to the semifinals in the eight-team tournament.

They later trounced Malawi 4-3 in post-match penalties following a 1-1 draw in a match clouded with controversy amid allegations that Kenya switched off power at the stadium to force a replay.

The former Tusker FC tactician believes that the 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo has given Harambee Stars a psychological edge going into the next fixtures.

“The first game has given us an edge since the other teams will now approach us with caution in the next matches. We can only boost the boys’ morale; anything is possible in football.”

Moreover, he insists on the need for every player to understand the assignment at hand and stay alert during training and every minute of the matches, for the sake of the country.

“For the players, especially those in the first eleven, this is the time to fight for the pride of the nation. Understand that this is a rare opportunity to represent the country in a championship hosted at home,” he stated.

“We don’t know when CHAN will return. The fans should also rally behind the team — the boys have already shown that they are up to the task. For the substitutes, please support those starting. This is not the time for bad attitudes. Encourage your teammates and remind them that they are capable. If you get the chance to come in, correct the mistakes and give your all,” he added.

Harambee Stars will seek to replicate Kenya’s historic 1987 run as they continue their 2024 campaign. They face a tricky Angola side tomorrow at 7 pm under the lights.

A win will edge coach Benni McCarthy’s side closer to the quarter-finals, with two games to spare.