Harambee Stars have named their starting XI for a decisive CHAN 2024 Group A clash against Morocco as they seek to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
Kenya head into the encounter in high spirits following an unbeaten start to the tournament. They opened with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo before earning a resilient 1-1 draw against Angola, despite being reduced to ten men for over 70 minutes. Those results have lifted the Stars to the top of Group A with four points from two matches, putting them in a strong position to control their own qualification destiny.
Their opponents, Morocco, sit second in the group with three points from just one game, having started their campaign with an impressive 2-0 win over Angola. Known for their technical quality and physical presence, the Atlas Lions will be looking to make it two wins from two, a result that would dramatically shake up the standings.
For Kenya, victory would take them to seven points and guarantee a place in the quarter-finals regardless of other outcomes. They would join hosts Algeria as the only teams to have booked a last-eight berth so far. A draw would still keep them in pole position heading into the final round of matches, while defeat would make the group wide open with DR Congo and Angola still in contention.
The starting XI named for this crucial tie sees Byrne Omondi take up goalkeeping duties, shielded by a defensive line comprising Mohammed S Siraj, Mike Kibwage, Edward Omondi Otieno, and Bonface Muchiri. Chrispine Erambo, Lewis Bandi, and Ryan Wesley Ogam will patrol the midfield, tasked with both disrupting Morocco’s build-up play and launching quick transitions.
Upfront, Ben Stanley Omondi, Manzur Suleiman, and Sylvester Owino will lead the attacking charge, aiming to stretch Morocco’s backline and convert key chances. The bench offers depth with players such as Shikhallo Faruk, Abud Omar Khamis Abud, Alphonse Otieno Omija, Bryan Migiro, Alpha Chris Onyango, Austine Odongo, Austine Odhiambo Otieno, Felix Oluoch, Sepstianos Wekesa, David Sakwa Nyongesa, Kevin Okumu, and Daniel Sakari Macheso available for tactical changes.
With the stakes sky-high, Harambee Stars will need to balance defensive discipline with attacking intent to overcome a Moroccan side hungry for victory. The match promises to be a fierce battle that could define Kenya’s CHAN 2024 campaign.
