Harambee Stars’ early elimination from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) did little to dampen Kenyan football passion, as fans quickly shifted focus to regional rivals Tanzania. On Friday night, attention turned to Dar es Salaam, where Morocco faced co-hosts Taifa Stars in a tense quarterfinal clash.
Inside the packed Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the Atlas Lions demonstrated their pedigree as two-time CHAN champions. Their patience and tactical discipline eventually subdued Tanzania, who had been riding on a wave of home support and dreams of a historic semifinal berth. The breakthrough came in the 65th minute when striker Oussama Lamlaoui converted a clever assist from Youssef Belammari, sealing Morocco’s 1-0 win.
Until that decisive moment, Tanzania had threatened repeatedly, with Clement Mzize and midfield maestro Feisal Salum driving forward with energy and determination. However, Moroccan goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar stood firm, producing crucial saves to deny the hosts. In the final minutes, Tanzania came close with a powerful Mzize header and a strike from substitute Nassor Saadun, but the Atlas Lions’ backline held on.
For Tanzania, the exit ended hopes of becoming the first debutants since Madagascar in 2022 to reach the semifinals. Yet their campaign was far from a disappointment. They topped their group and conceded just two goals in five matches, earning regional respect for their defensive organisation and fighting spirit.
Meanwhile, Morocco extended their remarkable CHAN record to seven consecutive knockout wins since 2014. With their eyes firmly set on a third continental crown following triumphs in 2018 and 2020, they once again confirmed their status as tournament heavyweights.
Off the pitch, the rivalry between Kenya and Tanzania added another layer of drama. Tanzanian fans, buoyed by strong group stage performances, had previously mocked Harambee Stars’ struggles. However, Kenyans seized the opportunity to rally behind Morocco, celebrating every Moroccan move and ultimately their victory. Reports even suggested that Kenyan supporters travelled to Dar es Salaam to witness the match, creating added tension in the stands.
In the end, Morocco’s 1-0 triumph not only propelled them into the semifinals but also gave Harambee Stars fans a moment of joy. With their own team sidelined, celebrating Tanzania’s downfall became a unifying moment of football banter across Kenya.
