Kenya’s Harambee Stars have turned what many called the “Group of Death” into a stage for their rebirth as a continental powerhouse at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024. On Sunday, in front of a roaring 27,000 crowd at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, the hosts sealed top spot in Group A with a 1-0 victory over Zambia—finishing the group unbeaten and brimming with belief.
Ryan Ogam’s 75th-minute strike, calmly finished after Boniface Muchiri’s clever build-up play, proved the difference. While Zambia bowed out winless, Kenya’s night was about more than a result—it was a statement that the Harambee Stars are no longer outsiders but genuine contenders.
Head coach Benni McCarthy has engineered a remarkable turnaround. Kenya stunned Morocco and DR Congo earlier in the group, and with 10 points from four matches, they conceded just once—showing both flair and defensive steel. “When people spoke about the Group of Death, they didn’t expect us to be here. Now we’re at the summit, and we want to enjoy that view,” McCarthy said before kick-off, and his players backed up the talk with their performance.
The Stars’ rise has been fuelled not only by tactical maturity but also by the unrelenting support of their home crowd. Defender Daniel Sakari acknowledged the fans’ role: “They carry us when legs are tired. We fight for them as much as for ourselves.” That bond was evident in the tense final minutes as goalkeeper Faruk Shikhalo produced big saves to deny Kelvin Kampamba and Prince Mumba, preserving the narrow lead.
Elsewhere, Morocco defeated DR Congo 3-1 to secure second place, leaving the Leopards stranded in third despite collecting six points. Zambia’s collapse—with four straight defeats—underscored how far the once-feared Chipolopolo have fallen, though coach Avram Grant insisted the tournament was useful in testing new players for the senior team.
For Kenya, the dream run continues. They will stay in Nairobi, backed by their faithful, to face Madagascar in Friday’s quarter-final. Morocco will travel to meet Tanzania in Dar es Salaam in another last-eight clash.
The Harambee Stars’ group-stage journey—three wins, one draw, and just a single goal conceded—has already made history. But inside the Kenyan camp, the belief is growing that this is only the beginning.
