CHAN24: Kenya defied odds to qualify for quarters - Mark Fish
Harambee Stars forward Ryan Ogam (R), holds off Papy Bulenge of Congo DR during their CHAN 2024 match at the MISC Kasarani on August 3, 2025. Kenya won 1-0.
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Former Bafana
Bafana defender Mark Fish has heaped praise on Harambee Stars, hailing both the
resilience of the players and the passionate Kenyan fans for their role in the
team’s strong showing at the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Fish, a member of
CAF’s Technical Study Group, said Kenya’s journey out of the so-called “group
of death” showcased their grit and determination.
Kenya was in Pool A
alongside Morocco, DRC Congo, Zambia and Angola. Harambee Stars topped the pool
after winning three and drawing one game, conceding only one goal in the
process.
“It is always good
to see the host nation surpassing expectations. Kenya came out of a group of
death probably in the hardest possible way. Getting a man sent off in the
second match, another in the third – they really did it the hard way,” Fish
said.
In the second game
against Angola Marvin Nabwire received his matching orders in the
21st minute forcing the Benni McCarthy side to play a man less for more
than seventy minutes.
In the third match,
Chris Erambo was shown a straight red card after a reckless challenge in the
dying minutes of the first half minutes after Rayan Ogam had given Harambee
Stars the lead.
Fish who won 62
caps for Bafana Bafana also mentioned that he believes that the fans have been
a big influence on the team and urged them to rally behind the team as the
tournament becomes more competitive in the quarter finals.
“The fans
have always pushed the team. The fans are always confident and passionate, and
this is key for the national team. As Kenyans, you now expect your team to win.
Keep supporting them because the games are going to get tougher,” he urged.
Fish also singled
out Harambee Stars’ coach Benni McCarthy for the energy he brings to the
dugout, saying his goal celebrations inspire the players.
The former Bolton
Wanderers defender further picked youngster Rayan Ogam as one of the standout
performers of the tournament.
“Ogam is still a
young player who is very versatile. He is good offensively and defensively. If
he is not scoring goals, he is creating them,” Fish noted.
Kenya
is set to lock horns tomorrow with Madagascar as the eye to secure a semifinal
ticket while keeping their title ambitions alive.
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