CHAN: Ex-keeper Origi outlines why Kenya stands chance to win trophy

Former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Arnold Origi has backed the national team to go all the way and lift the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) in East Africa.

Kenya, who topped Group A with 10 points, will kick off the last eight campaign against Madagascar, who finished second in Group B with seven points at Kasarani Stadium on Friday.

The 41-year-old, who briefly served as Harambee Stars’ goalkeeping coach during the Mapinduzi Cup earlier this year, lauded Kenya’s defensive organisation. He noted that the team topped the “group of death” while conceding only one goal, a feat he believes gives them a solid platform to contend for the title.

“I love the defensive structure; it’s the best in the tournament. They are playing tournament football. Once they score, they lock games at the back,” Origi, who won 48 caps for Kenya, told NTV Sports as quoted by Mozzart Sports.

To be honest, at that level, if you have a good offensive structure, it wins you games, but a good defensive structure wins you championships. “If they win the whole thing, I won’t be surprised. What I have seen in the group stage is enough to convince me they can go all the way.”

Harambee Stars under Benni McCarthy started their campaign with a 1-0 win against two-time CHAN winners DR Congo, before securing a 1-1 draw against Angola.

Kenya recovered to beat another two-time CHAN champions Morocco 1-0 despite playing with 10 men before rounding off their group matches with a 1-0 win against Zambia. McCarthy’s men conceded only once in four matches, underlining their defensive discipline.

The victory against the Chipolopolo, which was sealed by a second-half goal courtesy of Ryan Ogam, ensured that Kenya remained in Nairobi for their quarter-final clash.

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