Kenya Defeat Zambia to Reach CHAN Quarter-Finals

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(NAIROBI, KENYA) – Kenya’s Harambee Stars reached the top of Group A in the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) after defeating Zambia 1-0 at the MISC Kasarani Stadium on Sunday.

The decisive goal came in the 75th minute through forward Ryan Ogam, sending the 27,000 spectators into celebration. Among those in attendance were President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga.

The goal followed a build-up from midfielder Boniface Muchiri, who carried the ball from the right wing to the centre before passing to Ogam. With no defender marking him, the Gor Mahia striker controlled the ball and unleashed a powerful strike that beat the Zambian goalkeeper.

Ogam has now scored twice in the tournament, having also netted in Kenya’s 1-0 victory against Morocco the previous weekend. For the second match in a row, he was named Player of the Match, repeating the recognition he earned against Morocco.

Before the breakthrough, Kenya had created several chances but were unable to convert them against Zambia’s defence.

With this result, Kenya finished top of Group A with 10 points and will face Madagascar in the quarter-finals on Friday.

Morocco secured second place in the group after defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) 4-1 in another match played at Nyayo Stadium. Had Kenya failed to win against Zambia, they would have finished second and faced Tanzania in the next round.

The group stage ended with Angola eliminated after collecting four points, while Zambia exited the competition without registering a single point. Morocco will now play Tanzania away in their quarter-final clash.

The Harambee Stars also gained financially from their victory, as President William Ruto had promised each player a reward of 2.5 million Kenyan shillings (approximately 19,400 US dollars).