Former Harambee Stars striker Allan Wanga has outlined why Angola will be a formidable opponent for Kenya in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).Both nations are drawn into the challenging Group A, which also features two-time champions DR Congo, Morocco, and Zambia.Wanga, who had a successful stint in Angola with Petro Atlético, shared insights into the Angolan football culture.##NAJAVA_MECA_8638453##Joining Petro Atlético at the end of 2007, Wanga turned down trial offers from Swedish clubs to sign with the Angolan giants.In 2008, he helped the team secure the Angolan Premier League (Girabola) title, their first league triumph since 2001.Speaking after the CHAN draw in Nairobi, Wanga said that most Angolan players are more passionate about their home team and the national team and that they are always willing to leave it all on the field.”It boils down to passion. In Angola, from their local teams to the national team, everyone has a strong desire to play for their country. Many of their players don’t even feel the need to go abroad,” said the former Kakamega Homeboyz forward.Muguna confident of Harambee Stars’ success at CHAN 2025Wanga encouraged Kenya, as hosts of the tournament, to focus on thorough preparations. “Any team is beatable if we prepare well. Being the host, we have the home advantage, and we need to leverage it,” he added.Acknowledging the challenge of being in a “group of death,” Wanga stressed that Kenya must embrace the difficulty as an opportunity for growth.”This tough group will motivate our players to prepare psychologically. Footballers must always be ready for challenges. With the additional time before August, we should be well-prepared to face any team,” he remarked.Tunaenda kuprepare come August 2025 ~ Allan Wanga. #ElevenElevenTV #FootballKE #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 pic.twitter.com/0lBumL9ZA2— Eleven Eleven Tv (@ElevenEleven_TV) January 16, 2025 The 2008 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup winner also urged the players to build confidence, especially since the stadiums are expected to be packed with fans.”Mental strength will be key. Playing at home with fans coming to watch some of the best teams on the continent, players must be prepared psychologically to handle the pressure,” he said.Why Ghost Mulee wants Francis Kimanzi to lead Harambee Stars CHAN finalsWanga, who earned 44 caps and scored 22 goals for Kenya, retired from international football in July 2019.Reflecting on his time with the national team, he advised the current squad to take it one match at a time to maximize their chances of advancing from the group stages.##NAJAVA_MECA_8636292##
