Harambee Stars have cemented their dominance in Group A of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia at Kasarani Stadium.
The result saw Kenya top the group with 10 points—three wins and a draw—while condemning Zambia to an early exit without a win.
Coach Benni McCarthy made several changes to his lineup, handing Faruk a start in goal. Captain Abud Omar anchored the defence alongside Sylvester Owino and Michael Kibwage.
In midfield, Marvin Nabwire, Alpha Chris Onyango, and David Sakwa lined up with Ben Stanley Omondi, while Ryan Wesley Ogam led the attack, supported by Austine Odhiambo and Lewis Bandi.
Kenya started brightly, dominating possession and carving out early chances. In the 4th minute, Austine Odhiambo’s free kick flew over the bar, before Kibwage produced a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Zambia from a corner.
The Stars quickly regained control, with Ogam narrowly missing a cutback from captain Abud Omar in the 10th minute.
Odhiambo’s set-pieces continued to trouble the Chipolopolo defence, while Sakwa and Omondi combined neatly in midfield to set up Ogam, who couldn’t sort his feet in time to finish. Despite their pressure, Kenya reached halftime locked at 0-0, guilty of wasting multiple opportunities.
After the break, Harambee Stars pressed on. Alpha Chris Onyango opted for placement rather than power, with a tame effort easily saved. The introductions of Boniface Muchiri and Masud Juma injected fresh energy, with Muchiri especially dangerous down the left flank.
The decisive moment arrived in the 75th minute. Ogam, who had squandered earlier chances, redeemed himself with a composed finish after a clever build-up, securing his second goal of the tournament. Moments later, McCarthy made further changes, replacing Ogam with Manzur Okwaro Suleiman, while Daniel Sakari and Felix Oluoch also entered the fray.
Zambia pressed forward in search of an equaliser, but Kenya held firm. In the 85th minute, Nabwire came close to doubling the lead when his strike struck the post. The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 victory, sealing Harambee Stars’ place at the top of Group A with 10 points, while Zambia exited the tournament winless.
Kenya will now remain at Kasarani for a historic quarter-final clash against the runners-up from Group B.
