Kenya vs Zambia: Why Harambee Stars Midfielder Believes Fans Will Make the Difference

Harambee Stars midfielder Alpha Chris Onyango believes fans have been very instrumental in enabling Kenya to prove a point in their three group stage matches at the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024).

Harambee Stars kick-started their campaign with a 1-0 victory over DR Congo, thanks to Austin Odongo’s strike just before halftime.

Austin Odongo was also the hero as Harambee Stars held Angola to a 1-1 draw in their second match. In their third match against Morocco, Ryan Ogam was impressive as Harambee Stars claimed a 1-0 victory.

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Now, as Harambee Stars gear up for their final group stage match against Zambia’s Chipolopolo, Alpha Chris Onyango believes the presence of fans will make a mark, noting that he wants to reward them with another victory.

Alpha Chris Onyango is confident that Harambee Stars will come out victorious in their encounter with Zambia on Sunday, August 17.

“We are looking for a win in our last match of the group, and we assure Kenyans that we shall win that game,” he said.

The Gor Mahia midfielder added that fans have made the difference since their first match. He disclosed that even when they were slapped with red cards in their matches against Angola and Morocco, their support in the stands is what helped them hold on until the last minute.

He revealed that it is not a walk in the park playing with one man less, but pointed out that Harambee Stars players followed coach Benni McCarthy’s instructions to the letter, and they also tapped into the energy from the fans.

“I want to appreciate the fans for the support they have given us from the first game; they have been with us, and they have always given us the motivation to keep up the hard work,” Alpha Chris Onyango added.

“Even when we were less, in our two matches, their presence has helped us make a mark. It’s not easy playing with one man less, I think it’s all about composure and listening to what the coach says, but it’s very tough.”

On their part, Zambia have struggled in their African Nations Championship campaign, losing their three matches thus far.

They started their campaign with a 2-0 loss to DR Congo before being beaten 2-1 by Angola. Their most recent encounter against Morocco saw the Chipolopolo lose 3-1. They now go up against Harambee Stars in their final match, looking to win their first match of CHAN 2024.