By 
Kenya delivered one of the most memorable performances in African Nations Championship (CHAN) history, stunning two-time champions Morocco 1–0 in Nairobi on Sunday to remain unbeaten and move within touching distance of a historic quarter-final place.
Ryan Ogam’s clinical 42nd-minute strike lit up the Moi International Sports Centre as the co-hosts roared into the lead. But just moments later, the match took a dramatic twist when Chrispine Erambo’s yellow card for a foul on Anas El Mahraoui was upgraded to a straight red after a VAR review.
That left Benni McCarthy’s side with ten men for the entire second half against one of the tournament’s most feared teams.
Morocco, unbeaten in their last 14 CHAN matches, poured forward in waves after the break. Coach Tarik Sektioui threw on attacking reinforcements, but time and again, Kenya’s back line stood tall. Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi produced a string of vital saves, while defenders Sylvester Owino and Mike Kibwage dominated in the air and blocked numerous attempts on goal.
The Atlas Lions had their chances – Youssef Mehri’s header drifted wide, and Marouane Louadni was twice denied from close range – but the co-hosts’ defensive discipline and tireless pressing kept the visitors frustrated.
The victory lifts Kenya to seven points from three games following a 1–0 win over DR Congo and a 1–1 draw with Angola. A win over Zambia in their final group match will secure top spot, but even a draw could seal their quarter-final debut.
For Morocco, the loss is a sobering blow after years of dominance, and their hopes now rest on beating Angola in their next match.
Kenya’s win makes them just the third CHAN debutant to defeat a former champion, following DR Congo in 2009 and Libya in 2014 – a testament to McCarthy’s tactical bravery and the team’s unbreakable spirit.
