Kenya’s Harambee Stars pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the tournament when they beat Morocco 1–0 at a packed Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The win put the team in a strong position in Group A, maintaining their unbeaten record at the African Nations Championship. But despite the victory over the two-time champions, Kenya has not yet booked their ticket to the CHAN 2024 Quarter Finals.
The result was a huge boost, but other group results on the same day kept the qualification race wide open. Harambee Stars still need one more result to guarantee their place in the last eight in what is their debut tournament appearance.
Why Kenya Has Not Yet Secured CHAN 2024 Quarter Finals Spot
Kenya went into the Morocco clash knowing that a win, combined with favourable results elsewhere, could seal qualification. However, Angola’s victory over Zambia later in the day changed everything. That result means the group standings are still tight, and two other teams can mathematically overtake Kenya.
How Angola’s Win Complicates Kenya’s Situation
Angola’s 2–1 win against Zambia at Nyayo Stadium gave them a fighting chance. They now sit just behind Kenya in the standings and could leapfrog the Harambee Stars if certain results go their way.
If Angola beats DR Congo in their final game and Kenya loses to Zambia, Angola’s goal difference could push them ahead. Since their head-to-head clash with Kenya ended in a draw, the first tie-breaker will be goal difference.
This puts pressure on Benni McCarthy’s men to secure at least a point in their final group match.
How Morocco or DR Congo Could Also Overtake Kenya
Both Morocco and DR Congo still have a chance to reach the top two in the group. Each side has three points after two games and could climb to nine if they win their remaining matches.
If Kenya loses to Zambia and one of these two wins both games, that team would surpass Kenya’s current seven-point tally.
However, there is one piece of good news for Harambee Stars. Morocco and DR Congo face each other on the final day of group matches. This means one or both must drop points, ensuring only one of them could potentially pass Kenya.
Why Zambia Cannot Threaten Kenya’s Position
Zambia, with zero points and only two games left, cannot mathematically overtake Kenya’s tally of seven points. Their role in the final round will be that of potential spoilers, trying to dent Kenya’s qualification hopes rather than chasing their own.
What Kenya Must Do to Qualify for CHAN 2024 Quarter Finals
The simplest path for Harambee Stars is to avoid defeat against Zambia in their last group match.
- One Point is Enough – A draw would push Kenya to eight points, guaranteeing a top-two finish in Group A.
- A Win Secures Group A Victory – This would see Kenya play their quarter-final in Nairobi, a huge boost for local support.
- Early Qualification Possible – If Angola fails to beat DR Congo on August 14, Kenya would qualify before their final match kicks off.
Benni McCarthy is likely to stress discipline and focus against Zambia. Any lapse could undo the progress made in the win over Morocco.
Possible CHAN 2024 Quarter Finals Opponents for Kenya
McCarthy’s preferred scenario is topping Group A. The group winners will play the second-placed team from Group B in Nairobi. This would keep home-crowd advantage intact and reduce travel fatigue.
If Kenya finishes second, they will face the Group B winners in Dar es Salaam. This could mean taking on a stronger side while losing the Nairobi advantage.
Kenya’s Win Over Morocco Shows Their Potential
The 1–0 victory over Morocco was not just about three points. It showed that Harambee Stars can stand toe-to-toe with Africa’s best.
Ryan Ogam’s clinical finish, after showing composure inside the box, gave Kenya the lead in the first half. The team then survived heavy Moroccan pressure in the second half, especially after going down to 10 men when Chrispine Erambo was sent off.
McCarthy’s tactical gamble to rest key players like Austin Odhiambo and Alphonce Omija paid off, with fresh legs absorbing Morocco’s attacks.
“We are a work in progress,” McCarthy said. “We knew we had to play a completely different game. The team that wants it the most runs the hardest, and we did that.”
The Stakes Are High for the Final Group Match
Kenya’s CHAN 2024 journey has been promising so far, but football is unforgiving. One bad result could undo weeks of hard work.
The final group match against Zambia is not just about qualification—it’s about momentum. Winning would send a strong message to the rest of the competition that Kenya is not just here to participate, but to challenge for the title.
With a place in the CHAN 2024 Quarter Finals on the line, Harambee Stars cannot afford to leave anything to chance.
