Kenya and Morocco meet for the first time at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) when they clash in Group A at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in Nairobi on Sunday.
Harambee Stars head into the feature top of the group with four points from two games, while Morocco is second with three points having played just one game.
With two matches played in the African Nations Championships (CHAN) 2024 tournament, Kenya’s Harambee Stars sit atop Group A with 4 points after a 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), followed by a 1-1 draw against Angola.
But with three matchdays remaining, the race to the quarterfinals is wide open. Only the top two teams will advance, and Kenya still has two crucial games to play—against Morocco (Sunday, August 10) and Zambia (Sunday, August 17).
Winning the upcoming match against Morocco will move Kenya to 7 points. This would almost certainly guarantee them a place in the quarterfinals, regardless of the result in their final group game against Zambia. Morocco would remain on 3 points and would then need to win both of their remaining matches to stay in contention.
On the other hand, if Harambee Stars draw with Morocco, they will reach 5 points. In this case, a win against Zambia in their last match would take them to 8 points, securing qualification.
Even a draw against Zambia (ending with 6 points) could be enough to qualify, depending on how Morocco, DR Congo, and Angola perform in their remaining fixtures.
If Kenya loses to Morocco, they will stay on 4 points. Their qualification hopes would then depend entirely on beating Zambia in the final match. A draw or loss to Zambia in that scenario could see Kenya eliminated, especially if Morocco and DR Congo win their remaining games and Angola picks up points.
This means a win or draw against Morocco puts Kenya in a strong position, while a loss makes the final match against Zambia a must-win. The performances of Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia in their remaining fixtures will also play a crucial role in determining Kenya’s fate.
Harambee Stars Starting XI vs Morocco.
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
Subs: Shikhallo Faruk, Abud Omar Khamis Abud, Alphonse Otieno Omija, Bryan Migiro, Alpha Chris Onyango, Austine Odongo, Austine Odhiambo Otieno, Felix Oluoch, Sepstianos Wekesa, David Sakwa Nyongesa, Kevin Okumu, Daniel Sakari Macheso.
Kick-off: 3 PM.
