Why Kenyans are supporting Morocco in match against Tanzania

After the end of the group stage matches in the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN), Kenya topped arguably Group A, which was seen as the most competitive of all.

This means that Harambee Stars, which could potentially face neighbouring Tanzania’s Taifa Stars will now face Madagascar.

This also means Tanzania will meet Morocco in the quarter finals of CHAN, having topped their group.

While there was a lot of banter around the two countries meeting and alongside many other aspects of the ongoing games co-hosted by Kenya-Uganda-Tanzania, the tiff between has continued to grow.

In the banter, Tanzanians have seen themselves as superior to Kenya, having had an easy run in their group B games. They hoped to meet Kenya in the quarterfinals.

At the beginning of the tournament, president of Tanzanian football club Yanga, Hersi Said, while speaking to the media said he pitied Harambee Stars who were in the group famously referred to as the ‘Group of death’ in football terms.

He wished Kenya well, saying that Tanzania was in a safe pool and they were going to give their best.

“Kwanza nawaonea huruma Kenya, watakuwa kwenye group of death na niwaombee kila la heri. Tanzania tunaenda kucompete na tutakuwa sawa,” Hersi said.

At the end of Kenya’s last game against Zambia, it was clear that the meeting with Tanzania was not going to be possible.

Kenyan coach Benni McCarthy was also not left out of the fun, saying that Tanzanians had gotten their wish and they will feel what Harambee Stars experience in the group of death.

“One foot back after the Morocco game, they will know what we went through every game in this tournament. Good luck to them,” he said.

Kenyan fans have taken to their social media pages to wish Morocco success in the encounter.

The banter has extended to radio and TV shows as presenters continue to hammer the East African neighbours.

Here are some of the comments from Kenyan fans;

“Tanzania tunaomba muipokee Morocco kama maua. You will make a good love story, I promise,”Jesse Munene said.

“Tanzania walikuwa wanaogopa Morcco na wanajifanya wanataka Kenya. Sasa kimeumana,” Moffat official said.

Cartoon47 said, “Tanzania nawapenda you always support me kwa music, but kwa hili la mpira ni uongo kidogo.”

“Tanzania Mwarabu anakuja hapo Mkapa stadium pambaneni hata,” Billy Omaset said.

Petero KE said, ”We have sent Morocco to Tanzania. It’s for Taifa Stars to play a real opponent in the CHAN quarter finals. Jirani wataumia.”