Kenya’s Harambee Stars pulled off a thrilling 1-0 victory over continental heavyweights Morocco in a packed Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to maintain their lead in Group A with seven points from three matches.
The match’s defining moment came in the 42nd minute when Tusker FC striker Ryan Wesley Ogam Rabok—a rising star in Kenyan football—slotted home a precise finish to send the 60,000-strong home crowd into raptures. The goal not only secured all three points but also silenced the Atlas Lions, two-time African champions and regular FIFA World Cup participants.
For the Harambee Stars, debutants in this year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN), the result was nothing short of a statement. Morocco, widely considered the toughest hurdle in the group, had their attacking threat blunted by a disciplined Kenyan defence and inspired goalkeeping.
The atmosphere in Kasarani was electric. Fans who usually echo political chants found themselves united in patriotic song, praising the national team’s fighting spirit. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, who has promised a hefty cash reward should the team reach the quarter-finals, is now just one favourable result away from making good on his pledge.
Kenya’s group-stage campaign has so far seen them beat DR Congo, draw with Angola, and now edge past Morocco. The Harambee Stars will anxiously await the result of DR Congo’s upcoming match—if the Congolese drop points, Kenya will advance to the knockout stages for the first time in their CHAN history.
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