Kenya’s Harambee Stars stunned the football world with a hard-fought 1-0 triumph over Morocco, the two-time African Nations Championship (CHAN) winners, in front of a roaring crowd at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The victory, achieved despite playing nearly half the match with 10 men, puts Kenya within touching distance of the quarter-finals.
The Group A encounter was high on tension from the outset, both inside and outside the stadium. Hours before kick-off, chaotic scenes unfolded as frustrated fans, weary from long queues and ticket delays, broke through gates and scaled fences in a desperate bid to secure seats.
On the pitch, Morocco’s quality was evident in the early exchanges. They dominated possession and forced Kenya into hurried clearances.
In the seventh minute, a defensive mix-up between Michael Kibwage and Byrne Omondi almost gifted the visitors the lead, only for Mo Ait Khalid’s powerful strike to smash against the post.
Kenya thought they had a case for a penalty in the 17th minute after what appeared to be a Moroccan handball inside the area.
However, Burkinabe referee Kabore waved play on, citing an earlier foul against Kenya. Television replays hinted at minimal contact, stoking frustration among the home supporters.
Morocco’s Bouchaib Arrasi entered the referee’s book in the 20th minute for a late challenge on Ryan Ogam, and moments later, an injury to Ayoub Mouloua forced a change, with Youness El Kaabi coming on.
FT
All our enemies are suffering, semeni Riswaaaaaaaa!
Tuko ndaaaaaani ya quarters
1-0 #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 #CHAN2024 #HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/u98BJvQlv6
— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) August 10, 2025
While Morocco enjoyed most of the ball, Kenya began to find joy on the counter through Byrne Omondi and Ben Stanley Omondi.
The breakthrough arrived in the 41st minute when Tusker FC striker Ryan Wesley Ogam cut inside onto his left foot and rifled a low shot into the bottom corner, sending Kasarani into a frenzy.
Their celebrations were cut short just before the interval when Chrispine Erambo was shown a straight red card following a VAR review of his studs-up challenge.
Though Erambo appeared to win part of the ball, the decision stood, leaving Kenya with an uphill battle for the second half.
Coach Edward Omondi reacted quickly at halftime, replacing Edward Omondi with Alpha Onyango, while Morocco introduced two attacking options in search of an equaliser.
Kenya briefly thought they had a chance to double their lead eight minutes into the second half when Boniface Muchiri went down in the box. The referee pointed to the spot, but VAR overturned the decision, offering Morocco a reprieve.
From then on, the match became a defensive siege for Kenya. Morocco pushed forward relentlessly, with Youssef Belammari and Mohamed Rabie Hrimat testing the backline.
Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi produced a string of outstanding saves, including a spectacular dive to deny Imad Riahi’s curling shot.
In the closing stages, Mike Kibwage’s leadership at the back and Sylvester Owino’s timely challenges ensured Kenya preserved their narrow advantage.
When the final whistle blew, the 10-man Harambee Stars had not only secured a famous win but also showcased grit, discipline, and unwavering belief against one of Africa’s most formidable sides.