Kenya’s Harambee Stars secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Zambia in their African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group A encounter at Kasarani Stadium.
With the win, Kenya now progresses to the knockout stages as they continue their campaign on home soil.
Kenya will now face Madagascar in a game to be played at Kasarani on Friday, August 22, at 5 pm.
The decisive moment came in the second half when Ryan Ogam struck with precision, sending the home fans into wild celebrations.
The match was finely balanced until the 75th minute, when substitute Boniface Muchiri found space on the right and delivered a clever ball into the area.
Ogam controlled well before calmly slotting past Charles Kalumba in the Zambian goal to send the 27,000-strong Nairobi crowd into raptures.
Ogam’s decisive strike midway through the second half ensured the Harambee Stars finished unbeaten at the summit of the group, while Zambia exited the competition without a single point.
With Morocco beating DR Congo 3-1 in the simultaneous fixture, both Kenya and Morocco progressed to the quarter-finals.
The goal was the reward for Kenya’s persistent pressure after a cagey first half where both sides struggled to convert their chances.
Zambia pushed forward in the closing stages, searching for an equalizer, but the Harambee Stars’ defense stood firm.
The backline, marshaled with discipline, ensured that the visitors were kept at bay. Kenya’s goalkeeper also pulled off a vital save late in the game to preserve the lead.
For Zambia, the campaign ended in disappointment. The Chipolopolo, once a feared force in African football, bowed out after four straight defeats. Yet coach Avram Grant insisted there were positives to take from the experience.
Fans left Kasarani jubilant, confident that their team is on track to make a deep run in the competition.
With Kenya’s win and Morocco edging DR Congo, the Harambee Stars topped Group A with 10 points, Morocco followed closely with nine, while DR Congo’s six were not enough to progress. Angola finished fourth on four points, and Zambia exited bottom with none.
Kenya will now remain in Nairobi for their quarter-final to face Madagascar, giving them both momentum and home advantage. McCarthy, however, insists his side must keep their feet on the ground:
