Star striker Ryan Wesley Ogam once again proved decisive as Kenya’s Harambee Stars edged Zambia 1-0 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday afternoon to book their place in the quarter-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) as Group A winners.
Ogam, who also struck in the famous win over Morocco, produced a deft one-touch finish with his trusted left foot inside the box to seal top spot for Kenya with 10 points. The hosts will now remain at Kasarani to face Madagascar in Friday’s quarter-final.
Coach Benni McCarthy, characteristically bold in his selections, rotated his squad, handing goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo his first appearance of the tournament while recalling Marvin Omondi Nabwire from suspension.
Midfield playmaker Austin Odhiambo was also restored to the starting XI after coming off the bench against Morocco.
The opening half was cautious, Zambia’s best chance falling to captain Kelvin Kampamba, who curled a free-kick narrowly wide after David Sakwa’s foul.
Ogam and Stanley Omondi threatened with clever interplay but could not find the breakthrough.
The introduction of Masud Juma and Boniface Muchiri in the second half tilted momentum. Juma forced a sharp save from Zambia’s Charles Kaluma with a glancing header, while Muchiri’s fierce free-kick later required a fingertip stop.
As torrential rain swept over Kasarani, which many fans called a blessing, the Stars surged forward, spurred on by a raucous crowd that included President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga. Ogam’s strike was enough to send the stadium into raptures and secure Kenya’s progression.
Elsewhere in Group A, Morocco defeated DR Congo 3-1 at Nyayo Stadium, sealing second place and a quarter-final tie against Group B winners Tanzania in Dar es Salaam.
Kenya’s players were each rewarded with KSh 2.5m bonuses, taking their tournament earnings to KSh 5m.
