10-Man Harambee Stars Shock Morocco, Put One Foot in CHAN Quarterfinals

Benni McCarthy charges stunned Morocco as 10-man Kenya battled bravely 1-0; depending on other results, even a draw could secure a CHAN 2024 quarterfinal spot.

Kenya national team Harambee Stars have pulled off a sensational 1-0 victory over two-time African Nations Championship (CHAN) winners Morocco at a packed Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani,putting one foot in the quarter-finals despite playing nearly half the game with 10 men.

The high-octane Group A clash kicked off under intense pressure both on and off the pitch. Hours before the match, scenes of chaos unfolded outside the stadium as thousands of impatient fans stormed through gates and scaled perimeter fences after long queues and ticket frustrations.

Security barriers crumbled under the weight of the crowd, but inside the arena, order was eventually restored as anticipation reached fever pitch.

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On the field, Morocco showed their pedigree early, dominating possession and forcing the Kenyan backline into uncomfortable situations.

In the seventh minute, a poor clearance by Michael Kibwage and Bryne Omondi almost proved costly, but Mo Ait Khalid’s thundering shot cannoned off the post, sparing the hosts an early setback.

Kenya had their own moment of controversy in the 17th minute when the home side’s appeals for a penalty—after a Moroccan handball in the box—were waved away by Burkinabe referee Kabore, who instead gave a foul for an earlier challenge. Replays suggested minimal contact, fuelling the crowd’s frustration.

Morocco’s Bouchaib Arrasi picked up the game’s first booking in the 20th minute for a late challenge on Ryan Ongam, and minutes later, an injury forced Ayoub Mouloua off, replaced by Youness El Kaabi.

Despite Morocco’s early dominance, Kenya grew into the game through swift counterattacks from Byrne Omondi and Ben Stanley Omondi. Their resilience paid off in the 41st minute when Ryan Wesley Ogam produced a moment of magic.

The Tusker FC forward cut inside to his favoured left foot and drilled a low shot into the bottom right corner, igniting wild celebrations among the home faithful.

However, Harambee Stars’ joy was tempered just before halftime when Chrispine Erambo was shown a straight red card after VAR adjudged his studs-up challenge as dangerous, despite him winning a touch on the ball. That left Kenya with a daunting second half against a Moroccan side renowned for capitalising on numerical advantage.

Coach’s halftime response was immediate, Edward Omondi made way for Alpha Onyango, while Morocco introduced two fresh attackers.

Just eight minutes after the restart, Kenya earned a lifeline when Boniface Muchiri was brought down in the area, prompting the referee to point to the spot but VAR came to Morocco rescue.

From then on, it was backs-to-the-wall defending for Kenya. Morocco threw everything forward, with Youssef Belammari and Mohamed Rabie Hrimat peppering the Kenyan goal. Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi pulled off several key saves, including a stunning stop to deny Imad Riahi’s curling effort.

Despite relentless Moroccan pressure, the 10-man Harambee Stars showed remarkable composure and discipline. Mike Kibwage marshalled the backline superbly, while Sylvester Owino made crucial interventions to keep the lead intact.

Kenya had not only beaten a decorated Moroccan side but had done so with grit, courage, and tactical discipline, placing one foot in the CHAN 2024 quarter-finals.

How they lined up:

Harambee Stars XI: Byrne Omondi, Mohammed Siraj, Mike Kibwage, Edward Omondi Otieno, Bonface Muchiri, Chrispine Erambo, Lewis Bandi, Ryan Wesley Ogam, Ben Stanley Omondi, Manzur Suleiman, Sylvester Owino

Morocco: Elmehdi Al Harrar, Anas Bach, Marouane Loudani, Ait Ouarkhane Khalid, Bouchaib Arrassi, Youssef Belammari, Imad Riahi, Ayoub Mouloua, Mohamed Moufid, Mohamed Rabie Hrimat, Anass El Mahraoui