Kenya produced a statement 1–0 victory over two-time champions Morocco in Nairobi to remain unbeaten at the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) despite playing an entire half as manless side.
Ryan Ogam’s 42nd-minute strike proved decisive at a raucous Moi International Sports Centre on Sunday, as Benni McCarthy’s side defied the odds and Morocco’s unbeaten CHAN record to seize early control of Group A.
Ogam steered in the winner and McCarthy’s men then defended the lead with remarkable resolve after Chrispine Erambo’s red card—upgraded by VAR in first-half stoppage time—left the co-hosts with ten men for the entire second half.
The result, following a 1–0 win over DR Congo and a 1–1 draw with Angola, lifts Kenya to seven points from three games and leaves them within touching distance of a historic quarter-final berth on their tournament debut.
Morocco, who opened with a 2–0 defeat of Angola and arrived on a 14-match unbeaten CHAN run, were made to look ordinary by a disciplined, combative home team roared on by a packed crowd.
The win puts co-hosts Kenya on the verge of a historic quarter-final place, while Morocco’s hopes of advancing now rest on recovering in their final two group matches.
Hosts roar ahead before red card drama
Backed by a partisan home crowd, Kenya began with aggression and urgency, unsettling Morocco’s measured build-up play. After Ryan Ogam and Boniface Muchiri went close, the breakthrough came three minutes before the interval.
A blocked shot from Ben Stanley Omondi fell invitingly to Ogam, who rifled a left-footed finish past El Mehdi Al Harrar into the bottom corner, sending the stands into delirium.
But the mood shifted moments later when Erambo was initially booked for a foul on Anas El Mahraoui, only for VAR to upgrade the decision to a straight red card in stoppage time.
It left Kenya facing an entire second half with a numerical disadvantage against one of Africa’s most ruthless sides.
Pressure on Morocco
Morocco, unbeaten in their last 14 CHAN matches and renowned for dispatching tournament hosts, responded after the break with wave after wave of attacks. Coach Tarik Sektioui introduced Sabir Bougrine, Youssef Mehri and Oussama Lamlaoui to add pace and creativity, and the Atlas Lions dominated territory.
Headers from Youssef Mehri and Marouane Louadni went narrowly off target, while Byrne Omondi in the Kenya goal stood firm – twice denying Louadni from close range and parrying Mohamed Hrimat’s long-range attempt.
The visitors had 41.3% possession in their opener against Angola but controlled much more here, forcing numerous corners and free kicks.
Yet their final ball repeatedly let them down, with several shots sailing over or wide under pressure from Kenya’s tireless back line.
Kenya’s defensive steel
McCarthy reshuffled after the red card, bringing on extra defenders and instructing his side to drop deeper. Centre-backs Sylvester Owino and Mike Kibwage were immense in the air, while full-backs Siraj Mohammed and Lewis Bandi blocked crosses and closed down space on the flanks.
Omondi, fresh from an amazing display against Angola, produced another inspired performance, saving from Youssef Belammari late on and plucking a dangerous Lamlaoui header out of the air in stoppage time.
Kenya’s resistance was aided by the energy of substitutes Daniel Sakari, David Sakwa and Alphonce Omija, who helped disrupt Morocco’s rhythm and relieve pressure with fouls in advanced areas.
History in the making
The result is among the biggest shocks in CHAN history, halting Morocco’s perfect start and giving Kenya seven points from their opening three matches.
Victory over Zambia in their final group game would see them top the group; even a draw could be enough to progress.
For Morocco, who thrashed tournament hosts Rwanda and Cameroon in previous editions, this was a sobering reminder of the tournament’s unpredictability.
They will now need a strong response against Angola to avoid an early exit.
Kenya become only the third debutant to beat a former champion at CHAN, following in the footsteps of DR Congo (2009) and Libya (2014).
For McCarthy – who once scored against Morocco at AFCON 1998 – it was a tactical triumph built on discipline, spirit and ruthless finishing.
