Kenya’s Harambee Stars delivered a night of pure football magic at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), defying all odds to defeat tournament favourites Morocco 1-0 at a roaring Kasarani Stadium — and they did it with just 10 men for the entire second half.
The victory was more than just three points; it was a statement. Kenya entered the match unbeaten, having edged DR Congo 1-0 and held Angola to a 1-1 draw despite playing a man down. But against Morocco, the two-time CHAN winners and Group A giants, the Harambee Stars proved they could outplay, outfight, and outthink the best.
Bold Moves from Benni McCarthy
From the start, Kenya coach Benni McCarthy showed he wasn’t afraid to shake things up. The South African legend benched several regular starters, including captain Aboud Omar, right-back Daniel Sakari, defensive rock Alphonce Omija, midfield wizard Austin Odhiambo — who had scored in both of Kenya’s opening matches — and Alpha Onyango.
In their place came fresh legs and tactical adjustments: Siraj Mohammed slotted in at right-back, Mike Kibwage returned as captain to marshal the defence alongside Sylvester Owino, while Chrispine Erambo was handed a midfield role. Ben Stanley Omondi took over playmaking duties, and Tusker’s Ryan Ogam led the line, bringing a direct, aggressive edge to Kenya’s attack.
The reshuffle raised eyebrows, but McCarthy’s gamble would prove masterful.
Morocco Threaten Early
The Atlas Lions wasted no time showing their quality. In the 10th minute, Anas El Mahraoui won a free-kick just outside the box after Kibwage’s foul. Imad Riahi whipped in a dangerous delivery, finding Khalid Aït Ouarkhane unmarked at the far post. His thumping header struck goalkeeper Bryne Omondi’s back, bounced off the post, and fell into a dangerous area before Kibwage made a desperate clearance under pressure from Ayoub Mouloua.
Kenya’s first meaningful chance came five minutes later when Stanley Omondi’s corner reached Boniface Muchiri, but the flag went up for a foul on Anas Bach. The stop in play saw Morocco forced into an early change, with Mouloua limping off to be replaced by Youness El Kaabi.
A Tactical Battle
The first half was a tight, cagey affair. Morocco’s Bouchaib Arrassi picked up the first booking for a reckless challenge on Ogam in the 30th minute. From the resulting free-kick, Suleiman Okwaro unleashed a fierce drive from distance, but a Moroccan defender’s deflection sent it out for a corner.
It was clear that McCarthy’s plan involved absorbing pressure, staying disciplined, and then striking when Morocco least expected it. The fans could sense something building.
Ogam Breaks the Deadlock
In the 45th minute, the moment arrived. Stanley Omondi’s shot was blocked inside the box by Marouane Louadni, and the ball spun loose into a crowd of players. Standing amidst six Moroccan defenders, Ryan Ogam showed nerves of steel, swivelling to fire a low left-footed strike past El Mehdi Al Harrar.
Kasarani erupted. Fans danced, flags waved, and the underdogs had landed a telling blow against one of Africa’s heavyweights.
Ogam’s winner for Kenya steals the spotlight tonight, earning the @1xBet_Eng #GoalOfTheDay! ⚽️
Purchase your #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 tickets here https://t.co/awXbLaBpH9 pic.twitter.com/jMHcC0KJZe
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) August 10, 2025
Drama Before the Break
But joy turned to tension just two minutes later. Erambo, deployed for his physical presence, mistimed a high boot challenge on El Mahraoui and caught the Moroccan midfielder. Referee Vincent Kabore from Burkina Faso wasted no time in showing the red card.
It was Kenya’s second consecutive match with a sending-off, following Marvin Nabwire’s dismissal against Angola. The half-time whistle came with the Harambee Stars leading 1-0 but facing a full 45 minutes a man down.
Second-Half Grit
McCarthy reacted decisively at the restart, sacrificing Edwin Omondi for Alpha Onyango to reinforce midfield stability. The coach’s passion boiled over before the half even resumed, earning him a yellow card from the referee.
The 56th minute brought a flashpoint. Muchiri skipped past his marker on the right and went down in the box under Louadni’s challenge. The referee pointed to the spot, but VAR intervened, downgrading it to a free-kick just outside the area — a decision met with loud boos from the home crowd.
HIGHLIGHTS: 1-0
Kenya secure all three points with a crucial win over Morocco! ⚽️
Purchase your #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 tickets here https://t.co/awXbLaBpH9 pic.twitter.com/Md0jjkyhUl
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) August 10, 2025
Defending the Fortress
From then on, it was all about heart, organisation, and pure willpower. Morocco pushed hard, swinging in crosses, firing shots from distance, and looking to exploit the extra man. But Kenya’s defence was unbreakable.
Kibwage led by example, Owino was rock solid, and Bryne Omondi commanded his box with confidence. Every tackle, interception, and clearance was met with deafening cheers from the stands.
MOTM Morocco
They did not believe!
Congratulations Bayo #HarambeeStars #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 pic.twitter.com/lxrDr4IvNb
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) August 10, 2025
McCarthy’s tactical discipline — compressing space, blocking passing lanes, and springing occasional counters — frustrated the Atlas Lions, who had breezed past Rwanda 4-1 and Cameroon 4-0 in similar situations at past CHAN tournaments.
History Made at Kasarani
When the final whistle blew, the roar from Kasarani could be heard far beyond Nairobi. Kenya had done what few believed possible — becoming only the fourth East African side to face and beat Morocco at CHAN, and the first to do so as tournament hosts.
With seven points from three games, the Harambee Stars now sit on the brink of the CHAN 2024 knockout stages. For McCarthy and his players, this was not just a victory — it was proof of belief, bravery, and the power of playing for the badge.
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