Year 2025 in review: How Harambee Stars defied odds to storm CHAN quarters

Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, shocked African football by marching into the quarterfinals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) against all odds, despite being drawn into what was widely perceived as the tournament’s “Group of Death.”

Harambee Stars were pooled in Group ‘A’ alongside African heavyweights Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia, a line-up that left many doubting Kenya’s chances in their maiden CHAN appearance.

Eventually, Morocco went on to clinch the CHAN title on Kenyan soil, staging a dramatic 3–2 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on August 31.

Tournament co-hosts Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania all produced impressive runs, each booking a place in the quarterfinals in what turned out to be a memorable edition of the competition.

Harambee Stars concluded their group-stage campaign with an impressive 10 points, recording three wins—against DR Congo, Morocco, and Zambia—and a draw against Angola. Their unbeaten run earned Benni McCarthy’s side a historic place in the last eight, sparking belief among fans that something special was unfolding.

Kenya opened their campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 win over DR Congo, with midfield maestro Austin Odhiambo scoring the decisive goal on the stroke of halftime. The strike lifted the roof off the stadium and symbolised a changing of the guard, as debutants Kenya took the lead against one of the tournament’s most successful sides.

In their second match, 10-man Harambee Stars secured a crucial 1–1 draw after Marvin Omondi was sent off in the 21st minute, displaying resilience and tactical discipline to grind out a valuable point.

The biggest shock came when Kenya stunned African giants Morocco with a famous 1–0 victory, courtesy of a stunning goal by Ryan Ogam. The decisive moment arrived in the 42nd minute, when Ogam pounced on a rebound after Ben Stanley Omondi’s shot was blocked, firing a left-footed strike past El Mehdi Al Harrar into the bottom corner.

The celebrations were briefly tempered when Crispine Erambo was sent off following a VAR review for a hard tackle on Anas El Mahroui in first-half stoppage time. Reduced to ten men, McCarthy’s charges held firm in the second half, repelling wave after wave of Moroccan attacks with admirable grit.

The tournament also sparked a light-hearted online war of words between Kenya and Tanzania. The banter was ignited by McCarthy after Kenya’s win over Zambia ensured Morocco would face Tanzania, while Harambee Stars were set to host Madagascar in the quarterfinals.

“Tanzania will get their wish and experience what we experienced. The group of death now Morocco is going to Tanzania, and I would like feedback after the Morocco game,” McCarthy joked, drawing laughter from journalists.

Tanzanian officials responded online, dismissing claims that Kenyans had bought all tickets for the match. The banter escalated further when Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, joined in.

“I want to congratulate Kenyans who have bought all the tickets for the Tanzania versus Morocco game. I urge those Kenyans to ensure they avail themselves at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium to watch the match,” Murkomen said jokingly.

Kenya’s fairytale run eventually ended in the quarterfinals, where they were edged out 4–3 on penalties by Madagascar following a 1–1 draw in regular time.

Despite the heartbreak, the campaign was widely celebrated as a landmark achievement for Kenyan football—far exceeding pre-tournament expectations.

President William Ruto also rewarded the team handsomely, ensuring every player and member of the technical bench received over KSh 5 million, accumulated from wins and draws. He had pledged KSh 1 million per win and KSh 500,000 per draw, later increasing the reward to KSh 2.5 million each upon qualification to the quarterfinals.

“Sunday, if we win this game, I promise you KSh 2.5 million each, together with the technical bench,” President Ruto said, drawing jubilant applause from the players.