Harambee Stars delivered a spirited performance to beat Morocco 1-0 in their third Group A match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, despite playing almost an entire half with 10 men.
Kenya entered the clash with four points from two matches, while Morocco, who had only played once, were fresh from a 2-0 victory over Angola. The opening exchanges were evenly balanced, with both sides pushing for an early breakthrough.
In the 7th minute, Morocco threatened from a free kick, but goalkeeper Bryne Omondi—trusted by coach Benni McCarthy—handled it with ease. Kenya replied almost immediately with a counter-attack involving Captain Mike Kibwage, Ryan Wesley Ogam, and Boniface Muchiri, though Muchiri was flagged offside.
The breakthrough came in the 41st minute when Muchiri found Ben Stanley Omondi in the box.
Although Stanley lost control, the ball broke kindly to Ogam, who showed composure to beat his marker and slot home past the Moroccan goalkeeper. Kenya then tightened up defensively, with Kibwage marshalling the backline and Lewis Bandi making a crucial block to prevent an equaliser.
Drama unfolded just before half-time when a VAR review led to Chrispine Erambo’s red card for a foul, reducing Kenya to 10 men. It was their second sending-off of the tournament, following Marvin Nabwire’s dismissal against Angola.
Morocco pushed hard after the break, but Bandi remained solid at the back, and Omondi’s safe hands kept them at bay.
McCarthy was booked early in the second half, while Kenya refreshed their line-up with substitutions including Alpha Chris Onyango, David Sakwa, Alphonse Omija, Abud Omar, and Daniel Sakari.
Morocco’s late onslaught was met with disciplined defending, and Sakari even came close to doubling Kenya’s lead in the closing minutes.
In the end, Harambee Stars held on to secure all three points in front of a packed Kasarani crowd—a victory that strengthened their position as Group B contenders and showcased their resilience under pressure.
