Ten-man Kenya stuns double champions Morocco to edge closer to quarterfinals

Photo by CAF Media 

In a thrilling match at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory over group favorites Morocco, catapulting them to the top of Group A in the 2024 African Nations Championship.

Ryan Ogam’s clinical finish in the 42nd minute proved to be the difference-maker, as the Harambee Stars held off waves of Moroccan attacks in the second half.

The match was evenly poised until the final minutes of the first half, when Ben Stanley Omondi received a pass from the left wing and drove towards goal.

His shot attempt was deflected over to Ogam, who collected at the edge of the penalty area and fired a powerful low effort beyond the reach of Morocco goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar.

Just moments later, Chris Erambo’s reckless challenge on Anas El Mahraoui earned him a red card, reducing Kenya to ten players.

Despite being outnumbered, Kenya’s defense held firm, with the team employing a packed penalty area that limited Morocco’s attacking options.

The Atlas Lions were forced to rely on hopeful crosses and struggled to create clear-cut chances.

Sabir Bougrine and Youssef Belammari came close to equalizing in the final half hour, but their shot attempts sailed over the goal.

The defeat marked Morocco’s first loss at the African Nations Championship since January 2016, when they fell to Ivory Coast.

For Kenya, the win keeps them on track for a quarterfinal spot, with seven points from three games.

They will face Zambia next Sunday, while Morocco takes on Zambia on Thursday.

Table standing 

– Kenya: 7 points (3 games)

– Morocco: 3 points (2 games)

– DR Congo: 3 points (2 games)

– Angola: 1 point (2 games)

– Zambia: 0 points (1 game) ¹