As the group stages of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 draw to a close, the excitement is palpable across East Africa. Co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, this landmark tournament—featuring a record 19 teams—has already delivered thrilling moments, with the Harambee Stars of Kenya emerging as a standout contender. With the quarter-finals looming on August 22 and 23, 2025, speculation is rife about potential matchups and venues, particularly for the tournament debutants who have defied expectations in Group A.
Harambee Stars’ Impressive Group Stage Run
Under the guidance of South African coach Benni McCarthy, Kenya’s Harambee Stars have made history in their maiden CHAN appearance. After a hard-fought 1–0 victory over two-time champions DR Congo on August 3, a resilient 1–1 draw against Angola on August 7 (despite being reduced to 10 men), and a stunning 1–0 upset of Morocco on August 10, the Stars sit atop Group A with seven points. This remarkable performance has secured their place in the quarter-finals, with their final group match against Zambia on August 17 serving as a formality to solidify their position.
The team’s success has been fueled by standout performances from midfielder Austin Odhiambo—whose stoppage-time goal against DR Congo earned him the 2024 FKF Premier League MVP recognition—and teenage sensation Manzur Suleiman, who has excelled in an unorthodox defensive midfield role. Add to that the electric support of a sold-out Kasarani Stadium and substantial financial incentives from President William Ruto—Ksh 1 million per win and Ksh 500,000 per draw—and the Stars are riding a wave of momentum and national pride.
Potential Quarter-Final Opponents
With the group stages nearing completion, the quarter-final draw will pit the top two teams from each of the four groups against each other. Based on current standings and projections, Harambee Stars are likely to face a runner-up from either Group B or Group C, depending on the final group outcomes. Here’s a look at the potential matchups:
Group B Runners-up (Tanzania or Burkina Faso):
Tanzania, the co-hosts, have been the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals, boasting a perfect record with nine points after victories over Burkina Faso (2–0), Mauritania (1–0), and Madagascar (2–1). However, if Burkina Faso or Mauritania secure second place—likely with four to six points—Kenya could face a tactical battle against the Stallions, known for their disciplined approach, or the emerging Mauritanian side. A Kenya–Tanzania clash would be a historic East African derby, adding extra spice to the knockout stage.
Group C Runners-up (Uganda or Algeria): Group C, hosted primarily in Kampala, features co-host Uganda, Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and South Africa. Uganda, buoyed by home support, started with a challenging 0–1 loss to Algeria but could climb to second with wins against Guinea and Niger. Algeria, a football powerhouse, remains a strong contender for the top spot, but if Uganda or Guinea (with their growing domestic talent) finish second, Harambee Stars could face a regional rival or a resilient Guinean side in a tense encounter.
Given the current trajectory, a matchup against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars or Uganda’s Cranes seems most plausible, as both teams are co-hosts with strong home advantages. However, an upset by Burkina Faso or Guinea could shift the dynamics, presenting Kenya with a different tactical challenge.
Quarter-Final Venues
The quarter-finals are scheduled for August 22 and 23, 2025, with matches distributed across the three host nations to maximize fan engagement and logistical efficiency. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has yet to confirm the exact fixtures and venues, but based on the tournament’s structure and the preference for home advantage, here are the likely locations:
Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani (Nairobi, Kenya): As the host of Kenya’s group stage matches and the planned venue for the final on August 30, Kasarani is a prime candidate to host a Harambee Stars quarter-final. With a capacity of 60,000 and the passionate Kenyan crowd, it is an intimidating fortress—ideal for a knockout match. If Kenya tops Group A, they are slated to face the Group B runner-up here, potentially setting the stage for a blockbuster against Tanzania.
Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam (Tanzania):
This 60,000-seat venue hosted the tournament’s opening match and has been the hub for Group B. If Tanzania secures second place and Kenya tops their group, a neutral venue swap could see the match moved here, though Kasarani remains more likely for a Kenya-hosted game.
Mandela National Stadium, Namboole (Kampala, Uganda):
The 45,000-capacity stadium has been the centerpiece for Group C. Should Uganda finish second, a Kenya–Uganda quarter-final could be staged here, leveraging Uganda’s home advantage and adding a cross-border rivalry element.
Given Kenya’s strong performance and home support, CAF is likely to assign their quarter-final to Kasarani, ensuring the Stars benefit from their 55-million-strong fanbase. The exact matchup will depend on the Group B and C outcomes, but the stage is set for a high-stakes battle.
What Lies Ahead for Harambee Stars
Harambee Stars’ journey to the quarter-finals marks a turning point for Kenyan football, echoing the nation’s last major hosting success at the 1987 All Africa Games. Coach McCarthy has emphasized a game-by-game approach, with Odhiambo echoing this sentiment: “We are on home soil, and I believe we can do it. We have a good squad and the fans are behind us.” The team’s resilience against Morocco, despite playing with 10 men, underscores their potential to go deep into the tournament.
A quarter-final against Tanzania would test Kenya’s mettle in a regional showdown, while a matchup with Uganda or Burkina Faso would demand tactical adaptability. The prize money—Ksh 451.85 million for the winners and Ksh 155 million for runners-up—adds further incentive, with President Ruto’s promised Ksh 600 million jackpot looming large.
As the group stage concludes, all eyes will be on Kasarani on August 17, when Kenya faces Zambia. A win or draw will cement their top spot, setting up a quarter-final clash that could define their legacy. For now, the Harambee Stars are not just playing for points—they are carrying the hopes of a nation toward a historic triumph.
