Morocco set date with Stars

DAR ES SALAAM: MOROCCO secured a place in the quarterfinals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a commanding 3–1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in their final Group A match at Nyayo National Stadium yesterday.

The result confirmed Morocco’s second-place finish in the group, setting up a quarterfinal showdown with Tanzania on Friday at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Hosts Kenya topped the group with 10 points after a narrow 1–0 win over Zambia at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani yesterday.

Kenya will now face Group B runners-up Madagascar in the other quarterfinal tie scheduled for Friday.

It was a do-or-die encounter between Morocco and DR Congo, with both sides aware that only victory would guarantee a place in the last eight.

Morocco rose to the occasion thanks to a brace from Oussama Lamlaoui and a penalty conversion by Mohamed Hrimat.

The match began with intensity and Morocco took an early lead in the 8th minute when Lamlaoui pounced on a low cross from Youssef Belammari to tap in from close range.

However, DR Congo levelled just before half-time.

Jephté Kitambala bundled home an equaliser in the 43rd minute after a goalmouth scramble, sending the teams into the break locked at 1–1.

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After the interval, Morocco regained control. In the 66th minute, Magloire Ntambwe was brought down inside the box by Khalid Baba.

Following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot and Hrimat made no mistake.

As DR Congo pushed forward in search of another equaliser, they left themselves exposed at the back. In the 80th minute, Morocco capitalised once again as Youssef Mehri delivered a precise cut-back for Lamlaoui, who calmly slotted in his second of the night to make it 3–1 and seal the victory.

The result ended DR Congo’s hopes of progression, while Zambia also bowed out of the tournament after suffering a fourth straight defeat.

Kenya’s Ryan Ogam was the hero at Kasarani, netting the only goal of the game in the second half to ensure the Harambee Stars finished unbeaten at the top of Group A.

Kenya will now face Group B runnersup Madagascar in the other quarterfinal tie scheduled for Friday