‘Tupewe Jirani’ - Michael Olunga Stokes Up CHAN 2024 Fire Between Kenya and Tanzania

While Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga will not be among those taking part in the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024), he is very much invested in the tournament.

Olunga is among foreign-based players who are not eligible to feature in the tournament which is reserved for players only featuring in their local leagues.

However, he is keen to see Harambee Stars succeed with Benni McCarthy’s team in what has been described as the ‘Group of Death’ that also has Morocco, DR Congo, Angola and Zambia.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Making his feelings known, Olunga used the opportunity to aim a dig at neighbours Tanzania, saying he would like Kenya to meet Taifa Stars in the knockout rounds and eliminate them.

“Alafu tukipita group stage tunaweza pewa jirani hapo Kasarani ama kwa Mkapa? Tumalizane mara moja. (If we get past the group stage, can we be drawn against Tanzania either at home or away so that we finish this once and for all),” Olunga posted on social media.

“CHAN IS HERE MAJAMAA. TUJAZE KASARANI STADIUM (CHAN is here guys, let us fill Kasarani Stadium),” he went on, issuing a rallying call to Harambee Stars fans.

Olunga’s post was accompanied by a clip of him scoring against Tanzania at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, when Harambee Stars came from behind to beat their neighbours 3-2 in Egypt.

Since then, Kenya have remained unbeaten against Tanzania in five meetings, winning three while the other two have ended in draws.

Harambee Stars have been intensifying their training in readiness for the tournament although few are giving them a chance of advancing past the group given both DR Congo and Morocco are two-time champions, Angola are 2009 finalists, and also the reigning COSAFA Cup champions, while Zambia’s best performance at CHAN is third place.

Kenya will begin their CHAN 2024 campaign against DR Congo on Sunday August 3 at Kasarani Stadium.