Nairobi, Kenya- Kenya’s Harambee Stars sealed their place in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia at a packed Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.
Ogam the Hero at Kasarani
The breakthrough came in the 75th minute when substitute Boniface Muchiri slipped a clever ball into the box.
Ryan Ogam controlled it expertly before sending a calm finish past Zambian goalkeeper Charles Kalumba, sparking jubilant celebrations from the 27,000 home fans.
The goal capped off a dominant second-half display for Kenya, who had struggled to convert chances during a tense and cagey first period.
Defense Holds Strong
Zambia threw everything forward in the closing stages, desperate for an equalizer. But Kenya’s backline, marshaled with discipline and composure, stood tall. The Harambee Stars’ goalkeeper also pulled off a crucial late save to secure the win and keep their unbeaten run intact.
The result confirmed Kenya as Group A winners with 10 points, while Morocco, who beat DR Congo 3-1 in the other fixture, followed in second place with nine points. DR Congo finished third with six, Angola collected four, and Zambia ended bottom without a single point.
Zambia Crash Out, Kenya Dream On
The defeat marked the end of the road for the Chipolopolo, once giants of African football. Four straight losses left them pointless and out of the competition, though coach Avram Grant insisted there were positives to take despite the disappointment.
For Kenya, the win means more than just progression — it’s a statement. The Harambee Stars are now unbeaten in the group stage, and confidence among fans is soaring.
Kenya will remain in Nairobi for their quarter-final clash against Madagascar, carrying both momentum and home advantage.
Coach Francis McCarthy, however, cautioned that the job is far from done:
“We’re happy with the result, but this is just one step. We must keep our feet on the ground and stay focused for the knockout stages.”
With belief growing and the Kasarani crowd firmly behind them, the Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 journey is beginning to look like something special.
