By Billy Mijungu
Kenya’s football dream is alive, and the boys have already done the country proud by booking a place in the quarterfinals of the CHAN tournament. But if there is one truth in football, it is that the journey is never complete until you finish the job. That job, in our case, is clear: we must beat Zambia to secure the top spot and guarantee that our quarterfinal will be played at Kasarani.
There has been some confusion around how Kenya has already qualified for the quarters, and CAF, in typical fashion, has not made things any clearer in their official communication. A simple explanation would have helped fans understand why Kenya is through, but here is what the rules say.
When two teams finish level on points, the first deciding criterion is not goal difference, as many people assume. Instead, it is the head to head record. Only if the head to head does not break the tie will goal difference across all matches be considered, and if still tied, then total goals scored comes into play.
That is why Kenya is safe. Having defeated both Congo and Morocco in the group, our head to head advantage secures qualification. Goal difference is not the first tie breaker in this tournament. On paper, it means Kenya can walk into the Zambia game with less pressure. But in reality, that is far from the truth.
Football is not just about qualifying, it is about positioning yourself for the best possible path. If Kenya defeats Zambia, we finish top of the group and will play Mauritius at Kasarani. That is more than just a fixture, it is an opportunity to harness home advantage. Anyone who has been to Kasarani on a good day knows the atmosphere: the drums, the chants, the flags waving, and the roar of the fans. It lifts the team, rattles the opponent, and turns a tough match into an unforgettable experience.
Now imagine the alternative. If Kenya loses or even draws and ends up second in the group, the team will have to play in Tanzania. That strips us of the one advantage that no coach can train for, home support. In knockout football, where margins are thin and nerves run high, playing at home can be the difference between triumph and disaster.
Beyond logistics and crowd support, there is also the psychological factor. The players themselves know what it means to carry the pride of a home nation. To run out onto the pitch and hear the Kenyan anthem ring across Kasarani before tens of thousands of supporters, it gives you an extra gear. You chase balls harder, defend tighter, and attack with greater belief.
Beating Zambia, therefore, is not just about topping the group, it is about keeping the dream alive under the best conditions possible. Zambia will not be an easy opponent, they are physical, disciplined, and have a tradition of producing stubborn results. But Kenya has shown resilience and hunger in this tournament. The boys have already beaten Congo and Morocco, proving they are not in this competition to make up the numbers.
If there was ever a time to make a statement, it is now. Winning against Zambia not only secures our quarterfinal at Kasarani but also sends a message to the continent that Kenya is not just passing through this tournament, we are here to compete, to fight, and to dream.
The fans are ready, the team is ready, and the path is clear. The mission is simple: beat Zambia, play at home, and harness the advantage. From there, anything is possible.
