Harambee Stars Break 38-Year Jinx to Reach CHAN Quarter-Finals

The Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani erupted in celebration on Sunday as the Harambee Stars secured a historic place in the quarter-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). 

Kenya’s 1-0 win over Zambia ended a 38-year wait for a knockout stage appearance in a major football tournament and ensured they finished at the top of Group A.

The decisive moment came in the 75th minute when Ryan Ogam scored the only goal of the match. Set up by substitute Boniface Muchiri, Ogam showed calmness under pressure to beat Zambian goalkeeper Charles Kalumba, a strike that earned him the man-of-the-match award. 

The victory capped an impressive group stage for the Harambee Stars, who defeated Morocco and DR Congo, drew with Angola, and conceded just one goal in four matches. At the center of this turnaround is head coach Benni McCarthy. The South African manager has revitalized the squad by instilling confidence and unity. 

“We don’t fear anybody really,” McCarthy said after the match. “The players trust me to guide them, and so far it has worked quite well. I just hope they continue with the mentality they have picked.” 

His influence has clearly connected with both players and supporters, as seen in the 27,000-strong crowd that filled Kasarani to witness the landmark victory.

Kenya’s reward for finishing first in their group is a home quarter-final against Madagascar on Friday at Kasarani. Morocco, who finished second, will face Tanzania away. 

McCarthy, reflecting on the so-called “group of death,” remarked that Tanzania “will feel what we experienced,” pointing to the high level of competition in Group A. The team’s achievements have also been recognized by the government. President William Ruto awarded each player KSh 2.5 million for the win over Zambia, bringing their total bonuses for the group stage to KSh 5 million. 

Kenya last reached the knockout stage of a major tournament at the 1987 All-Africa Games but has never won a continental title. While the road ahead remains challenging, the Harambee Stars have already surpassed expectations at CHAN 2024.