Harambee Stars shock Zambia, book Madagascar date in CHAN quaterfinals

Harambee Stars players celebrate Ryan Ogam's goal against Zambia at Moi Stadium, Kasarani/CHARLENE MALWA

Harambee Stars have booked a scintillating date with Madagascar in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) after beating Zambia 1-0 at Moi Stadium, Kasarani, to finish top of Group ‘A’.

It was a tense afternoon at Kasarani, the clock ticking towards dusk, when Kenya’s hope seemed to be waning — until the 76th minute when Ryan Ogam, the Tusker FC talisman, latched onto Boniface Muchiri’s clever feed to propel Kenya’s tally to 10 points.

In one breathless moment, he swivelled and unleashed a rasping shot that rattled the Chipolopolo net, and with it, the hearts of a nation exploded in joy.

Ogam, who had already inscribed his name in the annals of this tournament with the winning strike against Morocco, returned once again to haunt the group minnows.

His swift turn, his fearless strike — it was poetry in motion, a gospel of grit and glory preached from his right boot.

In another Group ‘A’ encounter played simultaneously at Nyayo Stadium, Morocco brushed aside DR Congo 3-1 to wrap up second with nine points. The Atlas Lions now travel to Dar es Salaam, where hosts Tanzania, roared on by their own, await them.

From the first whistle at 3 pm, Kasarani’s grass was a stage upon which history tiptoed. The roars of 27,000 fans — cut from 48,000 by CAF’s stern sanctions — still rose like a defiant hymn.

In the VIP section, President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga watched side by side, both in Harambee Stars replica jerseys. But on the pitch, it was grit that mattered. Kenya, with the wind of belief in their sails, pressed and harried. 

Zambia, proud Chipolopolo, held their line, waiting to pounce. For long spells, it was a cagey dance, a war of attrition where every tackle was a sermon and every clearance a prayer.

The heroic strike then came in the 76th minute — and with it, destiny. Ogam’s swivel was the stuff of artistry. His shot tore through the Zambian space, past goalkeeper Willard Mwanza’s despairing dive, before bulging the net with an authority that Kasarani will remember long after the floodlights dimmed at 5 pm.

“Harambee Stars are showing the continent what belief and courage can achieve,” coach Benni McCarthy said, his voice rising above the press huddle. 

“Ryan Ogam is writing his own story in this tournament, but more importantly, the whole team is playing like lions for the badge.” 

For Ogam, the hero of the hour, the goal was a gift back to his people. 

“When Muchiri gave me the ball, I knew it was my moment,” he said. “This goal is not mine alone — it belongs to every Kenyan who sang for us today.” 

Captain Abud Omar, the rock at the back, cut a figure of calm defiance. 

“We knew Zambia would push us hard. But we stayed patient, we trusted our plan, and we fought for every inch,” he said. “Reaching the quarterfinals means everything, but this is only the beginning. We are dreaming of more.”

The Kenyan dream is indeed alive. From the terraces, the rhythm of drums mingled with ululations, carrying the team’s spirit into the Nairobi sky. The reduced numbers mattered little; the noise was thunder, the passion unyielding. 

For Zambia, heartbreak was evident. Coach Avram Grant, the seasoned tactician, admitted his side was undone by a moment of brilliance. 

“We controlled long periods, but football is about moments,” he said. “Kenya took theirs, and we must respect that. They deserved to win.” Grant’s words were heavy with the wisdom of years, but his respect for Harambee Stars was clear. “Kenya have grown in stature,” he added. “They are playing with maturity and confidence. I believe they can go very far.” 

In the dressing room, joy overflowed. News filtered through that every Harambee Stars player and member of the technical bench would receive Sh2.5 million each — a reward for carrying the flag with honour. For many, it was life-changing, yet it was the pride of wearing the national colours that shone brighter than any bonus.

“This is for our families, our fans, and our country,” Ogam said, his smile wide, his jersey drenched in sweat. 

“We are not done yet.”

McCarthy, ever the philosopher, spoke of belief as the team’s greatest weapon. 

“The talent is there, yes. But it is belief that is carrying us,” he said. “We are not afraid of Madagascar. Respect, yes — fear, no. Kenya is writing a story, and this story is not finished.” 

Omar echoed him. 

“We will fight again in the quarters, with even more hunger. Today was Zambia’s test; tomorrow, it will be Madagascar’s turn.” 

As dusk descended on Nairobi, Kasarani’s floodlights caught the sweat, the smiles, and the tears. This was more than football. It was a portrait of a nation in motion, a chorus of resilience, a reminder that in the beautiful game, giants are born from belief. Kenya now travels the road to the quarterfinals with heads held high, hearts burning, and a nation marching behind them. Harambee Stars are no longer just competing. They are conquering, one fearless strike at a time.