Ten-man Kenya delivered a memorable performance to stun two-time CHAN champions Morocco 1-0 in their Group A clash played on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Harambee Stars, who had garnered four points in their previous two group games, gave their best showing yet to beat the 2020 champions at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi. Ryan Ogam scored the game’s only goal minutes before the break to send Benni McCarthy’s side top of the group.
The Kenyans knew from the get-go that it was going to be a difficult task, but they were disciplined at the back. Backed by their home support, they stood their ground as the Atlas Lions camped in their half for much of the opening half. It was quite cagey in the opening exchanges until Ryan Ogam popped up with the game’s winning goal before the break. Moments earlier, goalkeeper Byrne Omondi had denied Morocco’s Anas El Mahraoui with a big stop.
Despite the lead, Kenya soon found themselves reduced to 10 men in first-half stoppage time when Chrispine Erambo’s foul was upgraded to a sending off after a VAR check.
After the break, Kenya decided to sit back, soak up pressure, and then launch counter-attacks. The Atlas Lions huffed and puffed for most of the half as they failed to get back into the game due to some fine goalkeeping from Omondi and astute defending at the back.
In the end, the Moroccans finished the game with 14 shots and 74.8% of the ball possession, but Kenya held on for a historic win on home soil.
With the win, Kenya, who are debutants in the competition, are on course to reach the knockout stages with seven points from three games. On the other hand, Morocco’s CHAN record (12 wins, 2 draws) in their past 14 matches comes to an end.
