🇰🇪 Ten-Man Kenya Stun Morocco in CHAN Debut Thriller

Kenya’s Ryan Ogam scored the decisive goal as the Harambee Stars held off two-time champions Morocco despite a second-half red card.

Zig Diaries Sports
Date: Monday, 11 August 2025
Time: 17:10 WAT
Location: 📍 Nairobi, KEN

Kenya shock two-time CHAN champions Morocco 1–0 in Nairobi, holding on with 10 men to boost quarter-final hopes.

Kenya delivered one of the most memorable African Nations Championship (CHAN) upsets on Sunday, defeating Morocco 1–0 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Ryan Ogam’s 42nd-minute strike was enough for the Harambee Stars, who played the entire second half a man down after midfielder Chrispine Erambo’s yellow card was upgraded to red following VAR review.

Under the guidance of South African coach Benni McCarthy — famed for his tactical discipline learned under José Mourinho — Kenya executed a flawless defensive stand. Goalkeeper Bryne Omondi and centre-backs Sylvester Owino and Mike Kibwage were outstanding, repelling relentless Moroccan pressure.

“It’s not always pretty, but you protect your lead at all costs,” McCarthy said. “I learned that from Mourinho – you park the bus, or in our case, the bus and the train.”

The result keeps Kenya unbeaten in their debut CHAN campaign with two wins and a draw. A win or draw against Zambia in their final Group A match will secure a historic quarter-final berth.

Morocco, who were unbeaten in their previous 14 CHAN matches, now face the prospect of a shock early elimination.

Fact-check & background context:

·        Kenya are debutants at the CHAN finals.

·        Morocco are two-time defending champions (2018, 2020).

·        CHAN features only players active in their domestic leagues.

·        Benni McCarthy won the UEFA Champions League with FC Porto in 2004 under José Mourinho.

🏷️ Tags: Kenya, Morocco, CHAN 2025, African football, Benni McCarthy, upset victory
#CHAN2025 #KenyaVsMorocco #HarambeeStars #AfricanFootball