Harambee Stars sealed top spot in Group A after grinding out a 1-0 win over Zambia in a tense clash at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, August 17.
Tusker striker Ryan Ogam delivered the decisive moment with just fifteen minutes left on the clock, calmly finishing to hand Kenya maximum points and a total of ten from their group campaign.
The result saw Kenya edge Morocco by a single point and set up a mouth-watering quarter-final meeting with Madagascar on Friday, August 22.
The contest burst into life right from kickoff, with Kenya pushing high in search of the lead and Zambia, already out of contention, determined to leave with pride intact. Early chances came thick and fast—Ben Stanley won a free-kick inside five minutes, but Austin Odhiambo’s effort was cleared.
Zambia responded immediately as Kelvin Mubanga pounced on a defensive slip, only for Michael Kibwage to rescue Kenya with a last-ditch clearance on the line.
The Harambee Stars kept pressing, with Ogam and Odhiambo looking sharp in attack while Stanley forced desperate defending from the visitors. Yet despite controlling much of the play, Kenya went into the break goalless as goalkeeper Kalumba stood firm.
The second half followed a similar pattern of end-to-end exchanges. Zambia posed a threat through Mubanga and Prince Mumba, while Kenya regained control and continued to pile pressure.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 75th minute when Cliff Nyakeya released Boniface Muchiri, who cut through the Zambian backline and squared for Ogam. The striker showed composure, taking one touch before driving a low shot beyond Kalumba.
Zambia pushed forward in search of a late equalizer, with Mubanga forcing a brilliant save from Farouk Shikalo. At the other end, Marvin Nabwire and Muchiri came close to doubling the lead, but the score remained 1-0 at the final whistle.
In the build-up to the clash, President William Ruto had offered significant motivation by pledging hefty rewards for the team.
“We’ve also agreed on rewards: A win against Zambia next Sunday will earn each player Ksh2.5 million. If they triumph in the quarter-finals, each will be gifted Ksh1 million and a two-bedroom affordable housing unit in a location of their choice,” he announced.