Ogam’s Goal and Heroic Resistance

In a packed Moi International Sports Centre, Kenya pulled off a memorable 1-0 victory over Morocco, two-time tournament champions, to remain unbeaten at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.

The decisive moment came in the 42nd minute when Ryan Ogam pounced on a rebound after Ben Stanley Omondi’s shot was blocked, rifling a left-footed strike past El Mehdi Al Harrar into the bottom corner. The crowd erupted, but the mood shifted soon after when Chrispine Erambo was sent off following a VAR review for a hard foul on Anas El Mahraoui in first-half stoppage time.

With a man down, Benni McCarthy’s side held firm, showing discipline and grit to keep Morocco’s attack at bay for the entire second half.

Morocco Fail to Find a Breakthrough

Coach Tarik Sektioui made changes after the break, bringing on Sabir Bougrine, Youssef Mehri, and Oussama Lamlaoui to inject pace and creativity. The Atlas Lions controlled possession and created several chances, but were denied by an inspired Byrne Omondi in goal, who produced multiple key saves.

Defenders Sylvester Owino and Mike Kibwage were rock-solid at the back, while full-backs Siraj Mohammed and Lewis Bandi blocked crosses and shut down space on the wings. Substitutes Daniel Sakari, David Sakwa, and Alphonce Omija helped disrupt Morocco’s rhythm and slow the game down in advanced areas.

History for Kenya

With this victory, Kenya now have seven points from three matches and are just one step away from the quarterfinals in their historic tournament debut. Even a draw against Zambia in their final group match could see them advance as group leaders.

Morocco, who entered with a 14-match unbeaten CHAN run, must now beat Angola to avoid an early exit.

The win makes Kenya only the third debutant to defeat a former champion at CHAN, following DR Congo (2009) and Libya (2014). It was a tactical and spirited triumph for McCarthy, who had previously scored against Morocco at AFCON 1998.