Kenya delivered some of the memorable performances in African Nations Championship (CHAN) historical past, gorgeous two-time champions Morocco 1–0 in Nairobi on Sunday to stay unbeaten and transfer inside touching distance of a historic quarter-final place.
Ryan Ogam’s medical Forty second-minute strike lit up the Moi Worldwide Sports activities Centre because the co-hosts roared into the lead. However simply moments later, the match took a dramatic twist when Chrispine Erambo’s yellow card for a foul on Anas El Mahraoui was upgraded to a straight crimson after a VAR overview.
That left Benni McCarthy’s aspect with ten males for all the second half in opposition to one of many event’s most feared groups.
Morocco, unbeaten of their final 14 CHAN matches, poured ahead in waves after the break. Coach Tarik Sektioui threw on attacking reinforcements, however again and again, Kenya’s again line stood tall. Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi produced a string of significant saves, whereas defenders Sylvester Owino and Mike Kibwage dominated within the air and blocked quite a few makes an attempt on objective.
The Atlas Lions had their possibilities – Youssef Mehri’s header drifted huge, and Marouane Louadni was twice denied from shut vary – however the co-hosts’ defensive self-discipline and tireless urgent saved the guests pissed off.
The victory lifts Kenya to seven factors from three video games following a 1–0 win over DR Congo and a 1–1 draw with Angola. A win over Zambia of their last group match will safe prime spot, however even a draw might seal their quarter-final debut.
For Morocco, the loss is a sobering blow after years of dominance, and their hopes now relaxation on beating Angola of their subsequent match.
Kenya’s win makes them simply the third CHAN debutant to defeat a former champion, following DR Congo in 2009 and Libya in 2014 – a testomony to McCarthy’s tactical bravery and the workforce’s unbreakable spirit.
