Harambee close in on last eight
KENYA: THE 10- man Kenya Harambee Stars are one step closer to securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2024 CHAN tournament after winning 1-0 against Morocco at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Kenya, on Sunday.
With the support of thousands of home fans, Kenya successfully defended against the match favourites, Morocco, putting them in a strong position to advance to the knockout stage.
The race for quarterfinal qualification in Group A remains wide open, though the picture is starting to take shape as teams head into the decisive final round. Kenya currently leads the group with seven points from three matches and is in a strong position to progress.
A win in their final fixture against Zambia on August 17th would be enough to secure qualification. Angola has moved into second place with four points after defeating Zambia 2-1 yesterday to keep their hopes alive after three games.
A victory in their last match would bring them to seven points, tying them with the group leaders, but it will depend on Kenya’s final result. DR Congo and Morocco are both tied for third place with three points from two games. For either team to advance, winning their remaining matches is essential.
Zambia is at the bottom of the group with no points from two matches and must do everything possible to avoid elimination, as any defeat will end their chances of progressing.
In the opening minutes, Morocco sought an early lead, but Kenya’s disciplined defence effectively countered the threats. Morocco squandered scoring chances in the first half and in the 22nd minute, they were forced to substitute an injured striker.
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Kenya responded with several counterattacks and in the 42nd minute, Ryan Ogam capitalised on a chance inside the box, curling a shot into the net to give Kenya a 1-0 lead, leaving Morocco’s goalkeeper, AL Harrar, helpless.
Following the goal, Morocco intensified their efforts for an equaliser, but Kenya’s defence and goalkeeper Brian Omondi kept them at bay until halftime.
However, just before the break, Kenya suffered a setback when midfielder Crispine Erambo received a red card for a dangerous foul on Moroccan player Ayoub Mouloua, reducing the host team to 10 men after a VAR review.
The red card marked Kenya’s second consecutive match with a dismissal, having also finished with 10 men in a 1-1 draw against Angola.
In the second half, Morocco made double substitutions to bolster their attack while Kenya brought on Alpha Onyango for Edward Omondi to strengthen their midfield. Both sides entered the second half with renewed energy with Morocco pushing for an equaliser and Kenya aimed to increase their lead.
In the 53rd minute, Harambee Stars got a free kick at the edge of the box which was cleared by Morocco’s defence before it crossed the goal line. Despite continued pressure from Morocco, Kenya’s defence held strong, with goalkeeper Brian Omondi delivering several superb saves, earning him the Man of the Match award.
