Mvurya rallies Harambee Stars to channel 1998 spirit and deliver historic CHAN title
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 11.07.25. | 10:50
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Mvurya pledged full government support for the national team but challenged them to rise to the occasion and give Kenyans a reason to believe again
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has urged the Harambee Stars squad heading to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to emulate the grit and pride shown by the famous 1998 team that famously held Nigeria to a draw in Nairobi.
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Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Mvurya pledged full government support for the national team, but challenged them to rise to the occasion and give Kenyans a reason to believe again.
“In 1997, Nigeria, which was a powerhouse then, came here and was held. I remember Steve Keshi was part of that squad, and they struggled against Harambee Stars,” recalled Mvurya.
He added, “Five years later, they came back, and we beat them here. We have the talent. Now we need the belief and teamwork to go with it.”
Mvurya was referencing the World Cup qualifier played on 12 January 1997 at Kasarani Stadium, where a youthful and written-off Kenyan side held a star-studded Nigerian team to a 1-1 draw in a Group 1 qualifier for the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
Coming off a 3-1 defeat to Guinea, the Stars, under returning coach Reinhard Fabisch, fielded a largely experimental side.
Today, alongside Sports CS H.E Salim Mvurya and PS Elijah Mwangi, I had the honor of officially welcoming the National Team, Harambee Stars to camp for preparations for the upcoming CHAN tournament.
— Hussein Mohammed (@husseinmoha) July 10, 2025
I would like to extend my gratitude to the government through the Ministry of… pic.twitter.com/mQJaiMj8YF
Despite public skepticism, they stunned the capacity crowd when Nzoia Sugar forward Ken Simiyu rose to head home a 22nd-minute corner from Eric Ochieng “Cantona,” sending the fans into a frenzy.
Though Jonathan Akpoborie levelled for Nigeria shortly after halftime, Kenya matched the Olympic gold medalists stride for stride.
John “Baresi” Odhiambo particularly impressed by neutralising the Nigerian playmaker, Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha, in midfield.
While Nigeria went on to qualify for the 1998 World Cup in France, the result was a proud moment in Kenyan football history and one that Mvurya believes the current squad can draw inspiration from.
“I think what was missing in the past was proper teamwork between the federation, government, coach, and players,” said Mvurya.
“But now we are united, and we want to restore the pride of Kenyan football so that we can be respected again on the continent.”
He also threw his weight behind Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy, urging him to deliver not just results but also create pathways for local players to attract international scouts.
"Benni was an explosive striker in the 1990s. We watched him because he scored goals for fun,” Mvurya said.
“I never imagined we’d one day work together. He has seen it all, and we have confidence in him and his technical bench. It’s not just about participating in CHAN; we want our boys to shine and get scouted abroad.”
Mvurya concluded by reminding the squad that their mission is bigger than just football, but it is about restoring national pride.
“We have the support structures in place. Now it’s up to the team to deliver.”
The iconic 1998 side included notable names like goalkeeper Francis Onyiso, defenders Musa Otieno and John Luchuku, midfielders Josiah Ougo, Eric Ochieng, Eric Omondi, and forwards Mohamed Shariff, Kennedy Simiyu, and Paul Oyuga, among others.
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