Harambee Stars captain Omar eager to impress at home

Harambee Stars captain Abud Omar says Kenya is fully prepared for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan) as the team gears up for their opening match against DR Congo this Sunday at the refurbished Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Kenya, who are in Group A alongside heavyweights Morocco, Zambia, Angola and DR Congo,  have been camping for nearly a month under coach Benni McCarthy as they aim to impress on home soil.

“We have camped for three weeks, now almost a month preparing for the games,” Omar said during a training session at Police Sacco Stadium on Wednesday.  “We are fully ready and I want to also thank the coach for guiding us and ensuring that the team is fit, ready and united.” He said.

The Chan tournament kicks off tomorrow with an opening ceremony at the Benjamin Mkapa International Stadium in Tanzania before hosts Taifa Stars take on Burkina Faso in the first match.

Kenya will begin their campaign the next day, hoping to get off to a positive start in front of a home crowd.

McCarthy's boys will finally enjoy home support after more than two years of playing their matches away due to CAF’s suspension of local stadiums over poor standards.

During this period, Harambee Stars hosted games in Uganda, Malawi, South Africa, and Ivory Coast, often playing without their passionate fans.

“It’s a great feeling to play in front of our fans after a long time,” Omar said.

“The past two to three years have been hectic playing our home matches away from home. Our fans are always great, the 12th man on the field who motivates us when things are not going according to plan, and it is good to have them back.”

He called on Kenyans to turn out in large numbers: “I want to rally all Kenyans to come out in numbers on Sunday and support the team when we face DR Congo in our opening match.”

Omar, who will captain the side in his first major tournament at home, also emphasised his role in mentoring younger players in the squad.

“We are mentoring these young players,” he explained.

“Every player has big dreams and would once wish to get to play in Europe, Asia and other African leagues. This is their time to shine and they know. The important thing is to play as a unit, and everyone shines.

For McCarthy, a good result  against DR Congo will be crucial for building momentum in the tournament.

“We are going to have one of the greatest starts by ensuring we win on Sunday against DR Congo,” McCarthy said.

“It’s always important to start brightly, but no matter the result, it is not always the end of the world. Argentina began with a defeat during the Qatar World Cup but finished as champions, so we must be strong mentally no matter the outcome of the first games.”