Will Harambee Stars survive the Group of Death?

The wait is over, it's over, it's over now, move over.

Just to borrow from reggae artist Bunny Wailer's Here in Jamaica song, "...come along every goodie, come and hear what I have to say, come and listen and I will tell you what is the talk of the town today..."

After what seemed like an eternity, it is finally here: the African Nations Championship.

Granted, it may not be the big one; Africa Cup of Nations, where our adorable sons of the soil parade their best, nay, it's not.

But at least, this ain't your usual village football tournament either.

For the next 28 days, dreams will be made, while at worst, inspirations possibly crushed as 19 countries, the largest field in the competition's history, chase the coveted trophy and cash prize of Sh453 million to boot.

When co-hosts Tanzania face Burkina Faso today at 8 pm, it will be down to real business as they usher in what promises to be nothing but high-octane action as four cities across East Africa play host to the African championship.

When Chan 2024 champions are crowned on August 30, fans across the five stadiums will have witnessed what most only had dreamed of.

Veteran reggae DJ Edwin Muyera, aka ‘King Tubbs’ of King Lion Sounds, who's also an ardent Harambee Stars fan, can’t wait for the rumble.

“This tournament gives us yet another chance to show our happiness and culture. While we will be cheering on our team Harambee Stars, we will also extend our hospitality to the foreigners around,” said an elated Muyera.

Despite lacking some of the leading stars, including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Senegal's Sadio Mane, Cameroon and Manchester United's Andre Onana, Senegal's Idrissa Gueye or even Morocco's Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui, Chan 2024 is still the real deal.

With the Democratic Republic of Congo and Morocco, the tournament's only two-time winners, in action in Group A, which also has Kenya and Zambia, there'll be little chance for blunders.

But when you rope in the likes of Senegal, Algeria, Nigeria and Burkina Faso, then you are certainly assured of a befitting battle.

The unpredictability of this tournament makes it so electrifying. Five countries have been crowned champions of Africa’s second most prestigious football tournament since its inception in 2009.

While Senegal will seek to defend their title, Morocco is on a path to revive their former glories. Then there is a determined Harambee Stars squad. Those who dared wash their hands are now ready to dine with the kings.

Granted, this is their first appearance in the tournament, but the novices are ready to have a fairytale run in this God-given tournament. After all, they have followed in the footsteps of their fathers, hence, learnt to walk like them.

These and many more from the 19 countries at the tournament, which will be played in five venues across the three East African Countries: Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

There will be non-stop action in Nairobi, Kampala, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar.

Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam will host today's opening match between the Taifa Stars and Burkina Faso, while Uganda’s Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala will stage key early fixtures for Group C.

Apart from taking pleasure from some awesome matches, where display of great footballing skills will no doubt be in constant supply, it will also be that moment when fans and other not-so-knowledgeable ones proclaim their undying love for their ‘teams’.

Banter will be a constant feature at workplaces, watering joints, corridors, bus stops, inside matatus or on top of boda bodas.

Employers take note, as working hours will not be all smooth for the next 28 days; that is for sure. 

While for others, it will be a perfect opportunity to gobble up the contents of the froth as they follow the proceedings with half-open eyes.

It is during this moment that some relationships might be strained. Attention will be divided. Priorities will most definitely remain warped for the longest time. Multitasking won't be everyone's cup of tea.

Oscillating from pubs to places of abode at ungodly hours will for sure prove a delicate balance to many.

You see, football is a matter of life and death. It is much more than that.

Some eat, drink, think, and act football. They and football are quite inseparable, just like conjoined twins.

So, when Kenyan players line up against DR Congo tomorrow at 3 pm inside the renovated Kasarani Stadium, prayers for a favourable result for the first-timers will be at fever pitch.

To those who believe in miracles, this will be their moment too...

The big screen inside the 48,000-seater Kasarani Stadium is beaming; Kenya 2 DR Congo 0.

That's the final score in the opening match of Group A in the Chan 2024 championship inside the magnificent venue.

And with that result, the national football team Harambee Stars have just made a positive start in their campaign towards bagging the coveted Sh453 million loot.

They now need to beat Angola on Thursday, shock Morocco in their third match on Sunday, before finishing off Zambia in style on August 17 for them to be where they've never been.

There are unbelievable scenes of jubilation for the victory-starving Kenyans. For their opponents, DR Congo, a sight of misery. Endless heartaches and an avalanche of tears.

That’s how life is. It’s never fair. 

DR Congo players furrowed their brows, and others covered their faces with their jerseys in shame. A few just bowed. They can't tell what has happened. With their mouths agape, they stared blankly.

Their handful of fans in the stands are equally stunned. Just how did this happen? It was never meant to happen.

The images beaming to thousands will remain a constant nightmare to the visitors, but a joy to behold for the Kenyans.

Kenya had never taken part in the Chan tournament in its past seven editions, and for them to have opened their campaign with a win against a two-time champion, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy and his troop have every reason to make merry and be happy.

You see, victory for Harambee Stars has been hard to come by even in other tournaments and matches. 

For sure, weeping endures but for a night, but joy comes in the morning. For Harambee Stars, those nights have been countless, never-ending. One couldn't yoke Kenya and victory together. Very dissimilar. 

For the longest time, Harambee Stars had been somewhat toothless, rudderless, and clueless.

When coming up against the Congolese, Kenya knew there was no way they were going to lose this tie, none at all.

They knew what was expected of them, and they delivered with utmost military precision.

Now this is what the expectant Kenyan fans had been missing. All that they had was faith...the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Coach McCarthy patted his players’ shoulders, tapped others’ heads, and gave a high-five to his technical bench. He just winked at goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo for a job well done. It was a proud moment.

It mattered not which political wing one belonged to... One Term or Two Terms. Kenya had won, that's what mattered most.

After fist bumping in excitement, McCarthy stood a few metres away near the flag post, all alone. The South African tactician had pacified angry spectators. He was thinking deeply. Oh, what an afternoon. 

The heavy-handed suppression was telling. It was that throbbing. A slump that was quite unrefined, raw and and torturous.

They were hunted down and subdued like headless chickens.. Only that this is a dream of an ardent Harambee Stars fan. 

Could Kenya turn this dream into reality tomorrow at 3 pm?