Kenya’s Harambee Stars produced one of their most memorable performances in recent history, edging continental heavyweights Morocco 1–0 in a pulsating Group A encounter at a packed Kasarani Stadium on Sunday evening.The result sees Kenya maintain their unbeaten run in the tournament and puts them on the cusp of a historic quarterfinal qualification, with just one group match remaining. Despite going down to 10 men late in the first half, the Stars displayed tactical discipline and unshakable resolve to hold off a relentless Moroccan assault and protect their slender lead.
Ogam Delivers the Moment
The decisive moment came in the 35th minute when forward Ryan Wesley Ogam struck a composed finish past Moroccan goalkeeper Al Harrar. It was a clinical move that capped a brilliant attacking phase for the hosts, sending the 60,000-strong crowd at Kasarani into wild celebration. Ogam, who started on the bench in the previous fixture against Angola, justified his inclusion with a tireless performance that combined attacking threat and pressing intensity. For the second match running, Kenya found themselves playing with a numerical disadvantage where the midfielder Chrisphine Erambo was shown a straight red card after a VAR review confirmed a dangerous lunge on a Moroccan opponent. The Referee Vincent Kabore did not hesitate to make the call following a lengthy pitch-side monitor consultation. Later on Coach Benni McCarthy was forced into a tactical reshuffle, bringing on defensive midfielder Alpha Onyango in place of Edward Omondi Otieno to restore balance in midfield and shield the back line.Moroccan head coach Tarek Sektioui then responded by introducing Sabir Bougrine for Mohamed Moufid before bringing on Youssef Mehri in a bid to break through the Kenyan rearguard.
Morocco Turn Up the Pressure
The North Africans came close to equalizing just two minutes after the break. Substitute Mehri’s curling effort narrowly missed the target, brushing the outside of the post with goalkeeper Bryne Omondi rooted to the spot. Despite dominating possession and playing with an extra man for over 50 minutes, Morocco failed to crack Kenya’s well-drilled defense hence the hosts dropped deep, maintained their shape and threw bodies on the line as wave after wave of Moroccan attacks were repelled.
Controversy in the Box
Kenya could have doubled their lead midway through the second half when Boniface Muchiri slalomed his way into the Moroccan box before being brought down. Kabore initially pointed to the spot, but the decision was later overturned following another VAR check which sparked outrage from the home fans and coaching staff but still, the Harambee Stars held firm, surviving a tense final stretch that saw seven minutes of added time played. McCarthy had made several bold changes to the starting lineup. Ogam was handed a start after coming off the bench in the previous game, while Bandari FC defender Mohammed Siraj earned his first start of the tournament, partnering Lewis Bandi in central defense. Skipper Abud Omar and Alphonce Omija were rested, starting on the bench. The tactical adjustments, though risky, paid dividends as the reshaped side executed a near-flawless defensive performance.
Cash Rewards and Rising Expectations
Following the win, each member of the squad and technical team received KSh1 million—a reward promised earlier by President William Ruto for a win against Morocco. The team had previously defeated DR Congo 1–0 in their opener before drawing 1–1 with Angola. The atmosphere inside Kasarani was electric from the first whistle to the last. From synchronized Pozman dance routines to deafening cheers and rhythmic clapping, the Kenyan faithful made their presence felt, acting as a true 12th man throughout the contest.
Zambia Up Next
Kenya will now enjoy a week’s break before returning to Kasarani for their final Group A fixture against Zambia next Sunday. A draw would be enough to secure passage to the knockout stages, but with momentum firmly on their side, the Harambee Stars will be gunning for a third victory on home soil. If this form continues, Kenya’s dream of going deep in this tournament might just become a reality.
