CHAN 2024: Unbowed Harambee Stars slay Moroccan Lions, have quarterfinal in sight

Brave and defiant, Harambee Stars displayed the best of their defensive steel, edging the fancied Atlas Lions of Morocco 1–0 in an explosive CHAN 2024 Group A match at a sold-out Kasarani Stadium. With one game to go, they now have destiny in their own hands, a quarterfinal ticket firmly in sight.

Reduced to 10 men in the first half, Kenya matched their opponents toe-to-toe before retreating to defend their territory in the second stanza, recording a historic victory on home soil.

It was attacker Ryan Wesley Ogam who broke the deadlock, holding his nerve to calmly rifle the ball past Moroccan goalkeeper Al Harrar in the 35th minute—sending the partisan Kasarani crowd into delirium.

Kenya’s numerical disadvantage came for the second game in a row after Chrisphine Erambo was shown a red card following a lengthy VAR review for a dangerous lunge on an opponent.

With a man down, Coach Benni McCarthy made a tactical switch, introducing defensive midfielder Alpha Onyango for Edward Omondi Otieno.

Moroccan coach Tarek Sektioui also rolled the dice, bringing in Sabir Bougrine for Mohamed Moufid and later summoning the fresh legs of Youssef Mehri.

Just two minutes after the break, Morocco—now enjoying a numerical advantage—nearly drew level, but substitute Youssef Mehri’s shot shaved inches off the post, with a fully stretched Bryne Omondi well beaten.

For this match, Coach McCarthy made sweeping changes from the squad that drew 1–1 with Angola. Ogam earned a starting berth after beginning the last game on the bench, while Bandari’s Mohammed Siraj made his first start of the championship alongside Lewis Bandi. Skipper Abud Omar and Alphonce Omija dropped to the bench.

The opening half was fiery, with the Atlas Lions dictating the tempo in the first 10 minutes. But once Kenya settled their nerves—and with the roaring crowd behind them—they took the fight to Morocco, Ogam’s opener sending the stadium into a frenzy.

Down a man and at a disadvantage, Boniface Muchiri produced a moment of brilliance in the second half, dribbling forcefully into the Moroccan box before being shoved to the ground. The referee initially awarded a penalty, but after consulting VAR, Vincent Kabore overturned his decision.

With the victory, Harambee Stars players and technical bench members each pocket KSh1 million, following a pledge by President William Ruto. Kenya had earlier beaten DR Congo by the same scoreline in their opening game before drawing 1–1 with Angola.

The atmosphere in the stadium was electric—from the Pozman dance to thunderous claps and cheers—as the home fans willed their team forward. Harambee Stars will now enjoy a week’s rest before facing Zambia in their final group game on Sunday, at the same venue.