Benni masterclass sinks Morocco as Kenya edge closer to CHAN 2024 quarters

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‎Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy delivered a tactical masterclass as his Kenyan team secured a historic 1-0 win over Morocco in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) on Sunday.

‎What was more remarkable is that Kenya played with 10 men for the entire second half but still pulled off a major upset against one of the tournament favourites.

‎Coming into the match, McCarthy had masterminded a 1-1 draw for Kenya against Angola on Thursday, when they played over 70 minutes with 10 men, but this was a bigger assignment.

‎Morocco had half chances early in the first half but could not get them on target while Kenya got into the box but poor decision making let them down.

‎Both sides huffed and puffed until just before halftime when Ryan Ogam broke the deadlock.

‎Clinical Ogam delivers for Kenya

Scenes: Look at the celebration by fans at Kasarani stadium after Ryan Ogam gave Kenya the lead vs Morocco.

10-men Harambee Stars are going to need these fans in the 2nd half after Chrispine Erambo was sent off. Another Benni McCarthy masterclass!pic.twitter.com/sbOOqUa0D8
— Kyama ⚽ (@ElijahKyama_) August 10, 2025

‎Boniface Muchiri had done some good work, coming from the right wing into the box with the ball, but his attempt hit a Morocco defender and the ball fell kindly to Ogam.

‎The Tusker FC striker controlled the ball before firing low on his left foot to send a full Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi into delirium.

However, two minutes later, Kenya were reduced to 10 men when Chrispine Erambo was shown a straight red card for a rash high boot challenge.

‎After this, it looked like Kenya were in for a long second half against the two-time winners but McCarthy made a number of tactical substitutions that steadied the ship.

‎What next for Harambee Stars?

Benni McCarthy celebrates Kenya's goal against Morocco.

‎The Harambee Stars had everyone behind the ball for the entire second half while goalkeeper Bryne Omondi, named Man of the Match, kept out every Morocco attempt that went on target.

‎Kenya held firm, forcing Morocco into a number of high balls and long-range attempts that went over the bar and picked up three massive points that sees them top Group A.

‎Harambee Stars have seven points from three matches, four more than both Morocco and DR Congo, who have played two matches each, while Angola have one from two games and Zambia, who have played once, are pointless.

‎Kenya can top Group A, which was termed the ‘Group of Death', with victory against Zambia next Sunday but a draw could be enough to secure a quarter-final place depending on other results.

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