Kenya is staring at a quarter-final slot in the CHAN 2024 continental football tournament after a 10-man Harambee Stars team on Sunday stunned the two-time Champions and tournament favorites, the Atlas Lions of Morocco, with a 1-0 win at a packed Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani, sending Kenya to the top of Group A.
The winning goal was scored by Ryan Ogam in the 42nd minute, a feat that sent the entire stadium into frenzy. The win put Kenya at the apex of Group A with an impressive seven points from three matches.
In the dying minutes of the first half, Kenya’s side was gripped by apprehension after Chrispine Erambo was red-carded, reducing the stars to 10 men.
However, in an impressive display of resilience, grit and tactical brilliance, the stars started the second half with solid defense supported by sporadic attacks that disrupted the sleek Moroccan game plan.
With the deafening roars of crowds spurring them on, the Stars made several forays into the Moroccan side and twice came dangerously close to adding another goal.
After the final whistle, the entire stadium erupted in minutes-long celebrations as Benni McCarthy’s emotional boys acknowledged the fans’ support with a walk of glory around the pitch.
In a total display of patriotism, Kenyans united to praise the win and express their delight with the team’s performance. The President Dr. William Samoei Ruto led the nation in hailing the massive win terming it as historic and a testament of Kenya’s undying resilience.
Kenya now faces Zambia in its next match and hopes to draw or win to emerge top of the group and cement her quarter final slot.
In Group A, Kenya leads with 7 points from two wins and a draw from three matches. The stars are followed by Angola with 4 points from one win, one draw and one loss. DR Congo and Morocco tie with three points each from two games.
The impressive win against Morocco makes Kenya the third first-time team in CHAN history to thrash champions after DR Congo and Libya.
By Wagema Mwangi
