Harambee Stars of Kenya have finished top of Group A at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after beating Zambia 1-0 in a tense match that President William Ruto attended.
Played at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in Nairobi, the winning goal came in the 75th minute when striker Ryan Ogam scored, sending more than 27,000 fans into wild celebrations. It was Ogam’s second goal in the tournament.
Kenya ended the group stage unbeaten with 10 points — one ahead of Morocco, who beat DR Congo 3-1 at Nyayo Stadium, one of Kenya’s leading stadia that have been revamped to international standards.
The victory means Kenya will now play Madagascar in the quarter-finals on Friday, keeping alive their dream of winning the title on home soil.
Kenya’s Sunday performance marks a remarkable group showing by Harambee Stars — under coach Benni MCarthy– who beat Morocco and DR Congo earlier and only conceded one goal in four matches.
McCarthy said the team has proved doubters wrong:
“When everyone called this the Group of Death, people thought we would finish with zero points. Now we are on top of the mountain, and we want to enjoy this view.”
As a reward, each player and technical team member have now received a total of Sh5.5 million, after President William Ruto increased his earlier pledge of Sh1 million per win to Sh2.5 million for the Sunday match.
Opposition politician, Raila Odinga, whose party is working closely with the government, also donated Sh0.5m per player for winning against the Zambians.
Kenya’s journey began with a strong 2-0 win over DR Congo, followed by a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Angola after playing most of the match with 10 men. VAR also saved the team in that match by cancelling a late Angolan goal.
In their third match, Kenya pulled off a surprise 1-0 victory over favourites Morocco, with Ogam scoring the winning goal that guaranteed qualification for the quarter-finals even before the Zambia match.
The 2024 CHAN tournament is being co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda and has showcased strong local talent and passionate crowds. Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Sudan from the CECAFA region have all competed with determination, giving East African fans plenty to cheer about.
With the knockout stages ahead, Harambee Stars now carry the hopes of the nation as they chase a historic title.
