Former Gor Mahia defender Musa Mohammed has opened up on why helping Harambee Stars beat Ethiopoa at a packed Kasarani Stadium to qualify for the 2019 AFCON was the best moment of his career.
Former Gor Mahia captain Musa Mohammed has described Kenya’s famous 3-0 victory over Ethiopia at a fully packed Kasarani Stadium in 2018 as the happiest moment of his life.
The win sealed Harambee Stars’ qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), their first appearance at the tournament in 15 years.
Mohammed, a key figure in that campaign, reflected on the journey and the dramatic buildup to the decisive match while speaking on the Tiki Taka show.
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He was part of Sebastian Migné’s squad that weathered early setbacks, including a coaching change and a difficult qualifying group, to achieve one of Kenya’s greatest football milestones.
“That was the happiest moment of my life,” Mohammed recalled. “We hosted them in Nairobi and Kasarani Stadium was packed. I felt like we connected with the fans who were so happy because they wanted the win so much.”
A Campaign That Almost Never Was
Kenya’s qualifying campaign got off to a rocky start with a loss to Sierra Leone and the sudden departure of head coach Paul Put. Sebastian Migné was appointed in May 2018, inheriting a squad full of doubt.
Despite the uncertainty, Mohammed and his teammates rallied. After a hard-fought 0-0 draw in Bahir Dar against Ethiopia, the Football Kenya Federation made the bold decision to throw open the gates for the return leg in Nairobi — allowing fans to enter for free in a bid to rally support.
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That decision paid off. On October 14, 2018, Harambee Stars played in front of a capacity crowd at Kasarani and swept past Ethiopia 3-0. The electric atmosphere and dominant performance confirmed Kenya’s place at AFCON 2019 with a game to spare.
“Sebastian came in and built his own team. The first game I played for Migné was away in Ethiopia. We defended like our lives depended on it,” Mohammed said. “We drew and brought the point home, then finished the job at home.”
Kenya had also pulled off a 1-0 win against Ghana a month earlier in Nairobi, further solidifying belief within the squad.
“After 20 minutes of that Ghana match, we were already wondering when half-time would come. But it was a fantastic moment,” he added.
A Promise Fulfilled
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Following their 2017 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup triumph, the team was hosted by then Deputy President William Ruto, who promised them a Ksh 50 million reward if they qualified for AFCON. Mohammed admitted many doubted it was possible.
“We never thought it was possible. It was made even worse when Paul Put left. The players did not think there was a chance,” he admitted.
Mohammed, who also had a successful stint in Zambia with Nkana FC, was one of the veterans who helped guide the team through the pressure, ultimately etching their names into Kenyan football history.
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