Kenya’s Harambee Stars produced a spirited display to record a famous 1-0 victory over two-time African Nations Championship (CHAN) winners Morocco in their Group A encounter on Sunday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi.
Debutants at the tournament, Kenya entered the clash with four points from their opening two matches but saved their most inspired performance for the reigning champions. Ryan Ogam struck the decisive goal minutes before half-time, lifting Benni McCarthy’s side to the top of the group.
The game began with Morocco dominating possession and pushing the hosts deep into their half. However, Kenya’s defence remained resolute, buoyed by a passionate home crowd. The breakthrough came shortly before the break when Ogam found the back of the net, moments after goalkeeper Byrne Omondi had produced a crucial save to deny Anas El Mahraoui.
Kenya’s joy was tempered just before half-time when Chrispine Erambo was sent off following a VAR review, reducing the hosts to 10 men.
In the second half, the Harambee Stars switched to a compact defensive approach, absorbing relentless Moroccan pressure and looking for opportunities to counter-attack. Morocco registered 14 shots and enjoyed 74.8% possession but could not breach Kenya’s disciplined backline or get past the inspired Omondi between the posts.
The victory puts Kenya on seven points from three games, all but sealing a place in the knockout stage in their maiden CHAN appearance. For Morocco, the loss ends their remarkable run of 14 games unbeaten in the competition (12 wins, two draws) and serves as a reminder that no title defence is guaranteed.
