Kenya confirmed their dominance in Group A of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a narrow 1-0 victory over Zambia at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday.
Ryan Ogam scored the decisive goal in the 75th minute, finishing calmly after a clever delivery from substitute Boniface Muchiri to send the 27,000-strong Nairobi crowd into wild celebrations. The result ensured the Harambee Stars finished unbeaten at the top of the group, while Zambia exited the competition without registering a single point.
Morocco’s 3-1 win over DR Congo in the simultaneous fixture meant both Kenya and Morocco progressed to the quarter-finals, leaving DR Congo stranded in third place. Kenya will remain in Nairobi to face Madagascar on Friday, while Morocco will travel to meet Tanzania.
Kenya dominated much of the game, creating several chances but were repeatedly denied by Zambian goalkeeper Charles Kalumba, who produced an impressive performance despite his team’s elimination. When the breakthrough eventually came through Ogam, it was a fitting reward for the home side’s persistence.
Under coach Benni McCarthy, Kenya have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the tournament. Having already beaten Morocco and DR Congo earlier in the group stage, the Harambee Stars finished with 10 points and conceded just one goal in four matches. McCarthy described the achievement as a statement of intent, saying before the match that many had written them off in the so-called “Group of Death,” but the team had risen to the challenge.
For Zambia, the defeat capped a disappointing campaign of four straight losses. Coach Avram Grant admitted the results were frustrating but noted the tournament offered valuable lessons and a chance to test new players for the national team. Despite creating chances through Prince Mumba and Kampamba, Zambia were unable to find a way past Kenyan goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo, who made key saves to preserve the clean sheet.
The energy from the home supporters carried Kenya through the final minutes, with chants and cheers echoing as Zambia pressed hard for an equaliser. Muchiri nearly doubled the lead late on with a long-range strike that was tipped over, but Ogam’s goal proved enough.
Kenya ended the group stage on top with 10 points, followed by Morocco on nine, while DR Congo finished with six. Angola managed four points, and Zambia left the tournament empty-handed. With momentum and home advantage, Kenya now turn their focus to Friday’s quarter-final clash with Madagascar.
