The Kenya national football team, the Harambee Stars, have learnt their group-stage opponents for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN).The tournament, set to take place in August, will be co-hosted by three East African countries: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.As one of the host nations, Kenya was automatically seeded into Pool A alongside regional rivals Uganda, Tanzania, and defending champions Senegal.##NAJAVA_MECA_8636790##The Harambee Stars, who will be making their debut in the CHAN tournament, have been placed in Group A in what many consider the “Group of Death.”They will face two-time champions Morocco, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia.Speaking at the draw, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President McDonald Mariga expressed optimism in Stars making out of the pool.”We are in a group of death but hopefully we make to the next round.”The Harambee Stars have struggled against Morocco in past encounters, with no recorded wins against the North African giants.The two countries have faced each other three times with the last encounter dating back to 2014 when Morocco defeated Kenya 3-0 in a friendly match.Kenya pays Ksh1.6 billion to CAF to host African Nations Championships (CHAN)Morocco boasts an impressive record in the CHAN tournament, having won the championship twice.They clinched back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2020, making them one of only two nations to achieve consecutive CHAN victories.Known for their technical prowess and tactical discipline, Morocco enters this year’s competition as a favorite.Their ability to blend experienced local players with emerging talent has been key to their CHAN success.Stars have faced Zambia’s Chipolopolo several times, with mixed results.Out of their 14 encounters, Kenya has secured four wins, five draws, and five losses.’I don’t remember how I doped’- banned Faith Chepchirchir drops bombshellDespite Zambia’s slight historical edge, Kenya will aim to leverage home advantage to tilt the balance in their favor.Zambia has been a consistent performer in the CHAN tournament. Their best showing came in the inaugural 2009 edition, where they finished third after a spirited campaign.They reached the quarterfinals in 2016 and 2020, demonstrating their competitiveness on the continental stage.With a strong domestic league producing quality players, Zambia remains a formidable opponent for any team in the tournament.Southern Africa opponents Angola has also proven to be a difficult opponent for Kenya.In their seven previous meetings, Kenya has managed two wins, two draws, and three losses.Ulinzi Stars head coach explains 2 reasons for their struggles this seasonIn the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya faces the most successful team in CHAN history, having won the tournament twice.They lifted the inaugural trophy in 2009 and added a second title in 2016.Known for their physicality, flair, and well-organized play, DR Congo has consistently been a top contender in the competition.The 2024 CHAN features 19 teams across four groups, with Groups A, B, and C comprising five teams each, while Group D has four. The top teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, setting the stage for intense competition.Full DrawGroup A: Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DRC, ZambiaGroup B: Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, CARGroup C: Uganda, Niger, Gunea, Q2, Q1Group D: Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria
