Harambee Stars produced a spirited performance to defeat two-time champions Morocco 1-0 in their third match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Sunday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in Nairobi.
Kenya played the entire second half with 10 men after midfielder Chrispine Erambo was shown a red card on the stroke of halftime.
The dismissal came just moments after his club teammate Ryan Ogam had given Kenya the lead in the 42nd minute with his first international goal — a strike that ultimately ended Morocco’s 14-match unbeaten run in the tournament.
The result sees Kenya move to the top of Group A with seven points. A draw against Zambia in their final group fixture will be enough to send them through to the knockout stages.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy made six changes to his starting XI. Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi retained his place, as did defender Sylvester Owino.
Mohammed Siraj, Mike Kibwage, and Lewis Bandi were brought into the backline in place of Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, and Daniel Sakari.
Chrispine Erambo started in midfield for the suspended Marvin Nabwire, while Ben Stanley Omondi and Ryan Ogam came in for Alpha Onyango and Austine Odhiambo.
McCarthy had expressed concerns before the match about his team’s tendency to start nervously — and those fears nearly came true in the 6th minute when Morocco struck the post from a well-worked set-piece.
The visitors continued to threaten but were met with jeers from the home crowd, who erupted with cheers in the 37th minute when Omondi produced a crucial save to deny Morocco’s first shot on target.
