Harambee Stars Stun Morocco Despite Playing Second Half with 10 Men

Harambee Stars Stun Morocco Despite Playing Second Half with 10 Men

Kenya’s Harambee Stars pulled off one of the most remarkable upsets in recent CHAN history by defeating two-time champions Morocco 1-0, despite playing the entire second half with ten men following a first-half red card to midfielder Chrispine Erambo.

Erambo was sent off just before halftime for a reckless challenge, leaving Kenya with a numerical disadvantage for the final 45 minutes. But a spirited performance, anchored by tactical brilliance from head coach Ben McCarthy, saw the East African side hold firm to claim a historic victory.

The game’s only goal came late

in the first half, with Wesley Ogam slotting home a composed finish following a well-orchestrated counterattack. It was Ogam’s first goal of the tournament and proved to be decisive in a match that demanded grit, discipline, and heart.

Ben McCarthy's Bold Gamble Pays Off

Ben McCarthy, still fresh into his reign as Harambee Stars coach, took a massive tactical gamble by making seven changes from the squad that had drawn with Uganda in their previous match. Key players like captain Abud Omar Khamis, Austin Odhiambo, Alphonse Omija, Daniel Sakari, and Alpha Onyango were left out — a decision that raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.

In their place came several debutants, thrown into the deep end of their first CHAN tournament appearance. Yet the newcomers rose to the occasion, showing incredible maturity and composure under pressure against one of the continent’s most formidable teams.

“Our plan was to disrupt Morocco's rhythm with energy, pace, and tactical discipline,” McCarthy said after the match. “Even after going a man down, the boys believed. This win is for Kenya.”

Defensive Masterclass

With Morocco piling on the pressure in the second half, Kenya’s backline delivered a defensive masterclass. Goalkeeper Bryne Omondi made several crucial saves, while center-backs Michael Kibwage and Sylvester Omija threw themselves at every ball to keep the North Africans at bay.

The result now puts Kenya top of their group with 7 points from three matches. They are one game away from securing a spot in the knockout stages, with their final group match set for Sunday, August 17th, against Zambia.

A draw or win against Zambia would secure top spot for Harambee Stars and send a strong signal to the rest of the continent that Kenya is no longer to be underestimated.

Can McCarthy’s young guns go all the way? For now, Kenya is daring to dream.