Ten-man Kenya pulled off one of the biggest upsets in African Nations Championship (CHAN) history on Sunday, defeating two-time champions Morocco 1-0 in Nairobi to close in on a historic quarter-final spot.
Ryan Ogam’s first-half strike and a heroic defensive display after Chrispine Erambo’s red card left a raucous Moi International Sports Centre in ecstasy, while Morocco were left stunned. Earlier, substitute Kaporal turned hero for Angola, scoring twice in the final 11 minutes to sink Zambia 2-1 and throw Group A wide open.
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Ogam Strike, Red Card Drama
Kenya, unbeaten in their debut CHAN campaign, struck in the 42nd minute when a blocked shot from Ben Stanley Omondi fell to Ogam, who rifled a left-footed finish past El Mehdi Al Harrar. Minutes later, Chrispine Erambo’s yellow card for a foul on Anas El Mahraoui was upgraded to a straight red by VAR, leaving the hosts with ten men for the entire second half.
Morocco Press, Kenya Stand Firm
Coach Tarik Sektioui’s side poured forward after the restart, introducing Sabir Bougrine, Youssef Mehri and Oussama Lamlaoui to add attacking thrust. But goalkeeper Byrne Omondi delivered a masterclass, twice denying Marouane Louadni and parrying Mohamed Hrimat’s long-range strike.
Centre-backs Sylvester Owino and Mike Kibwage were immense in the air, while full-backs Siraj Mohammed and Lewis Bandi shut down Morocco’s wing play.
The result lifts Kenya to seven points from three matches, leaving them within touching distance of the quarter-finals. Morocco, on three points from two games, must now beat Angola to stay alive.
Kaporal Turns It Around for Angola
In the day’s other Group A clash, Zambia looked set for their first points after Dominic Chanda fired them ahead in the 73rd minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball from a set-piece. But Angola coach Pedro Gonçalves brought on Kaporal, and the substitute delivered instantly.
He equalised in the 79th minute from a Gogoró assist and struck again seven minutes later, slamming home in a crowded box to seal the comeback. Zambia pushed forward desperately but missed key chances through Jackson Kampamba and Chanda in stoppage time.
Group A Standings
1. Kenya – 7 pts (3 matches)
2. Angola – 4 pts (3 matches)
3. Morocco – 3 pts (2 matches)
4. DR Congo – 3 pts (2 matches)
5. Zambia – 0 pts (2 matches)
Kenya face Zambia next, where even a draw could secure top spot. Angola meet DR Congo in a likely qualification decider, while Morocco’s survival depends on beating Angola.
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