Harambee Stars delivered one of their most famous victories on Sunday night, defeating two-time champions Morocco 1-0 in a tense Group A clash at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) at a packed Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The result, achieved despite playing the entire second half with 10 men, sent Kenya into the quarter-finals on their CHAN debut and ignited wild celebrations among home fans.
The winning moment came in the 35th minute when Ryan Wesley Ogam reacted quickest to a rebound, slotting a composed left-footed finish past the Moroccan goalkeeper. The goal sent the stadium into delirium and gave Kenya the lead their lively first-half performance deserved.
But the game took a dramatic turn just before the break. Chrispine Erambo was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a studs-up challenge, leaving the Harambee Stars to face a relentless Moroccan side with one man fewer.
What followed was a display of immense defensive discipline. Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi produced a string of superb saves, while the backline, marshalled by captain Johnstone Omurwa, threw themselves in front of every Moroccan attempt. The visitors pressed hard for an equaliser, with Youssef Mehri firing narrowly wide in one of their best chances, but the Stars held firm until the final whistle.
Coach Benni McCarthy praised his team’s resilience and tactical discipline under pressure.
“To play a whole half against a side of Morocco’s quality with 10 men and still win shows the heart of this team,” McCarthy said. “They fought for every ball and for the badge.”
The victory sees Kenya top Group A with seven points from three matches, marking a historic achievement for a team making its first appearance at the tournament.
With the nation now daring to dream, attention turns to the quarter-finals, where the Harambee Stars will look to extend their remarkable run and prove that their fight, unity, and belief can carry them even further.
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