Kenya has etched its name into African football history by securing a place in the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 during their very first appearance in the tournament. The Harambee Stars booked their spot in the knockout stage with one game to spare after an impressive campaign in Group A.
The team’s journey began with a narrow but crucial 1-0 win over DR Congo, setting the tone for their tournament. This victory was followed by a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Angola, a match that tested the squad’s resilience. In their third fixture, Kenya pulled off a memorable upset, defeating Morocco 1-0 in a disciplined and clinical performance. That result propelled them to the top of the group with seven points, a position few would have predicted at the start of the competition.
Qualification was confirmed even before Kenya’s final group match thanks to the outcomes of other fixtures. Morocco overcame Zambia, while DR Congo edged past Angola, leaving Morocco and DR Congo with six points each. Zambia and Angola, unable to catch up, were officially eliminated.
Kenya’s progression was secured through the tournament’s tie-break rules. Having beaten both Morocco and DR Congo in head-to-head encounters, the Harambee Stars held the decisive advantage, ensuring they would advance regardless of other results.
This achievement marks a milestone for Kenyan football, as it is the first time the national team has reached the CHAN quarterfinals. Their performance has not only energized fans back home but also signaled Kenya’s growing competitiveness on the continental stage.
The Harambee Stars’ final group match will be against Zambia on Sunday, August 17, 2025. While the team’s qualification is already confirmed, the stakes remain high. A win would cement their position at the top of Group A and allow them to carry an unbeaten record into the quarterfinals, boosting confidence for the knockout rounds.
As anticipation builds, Kenyan supporters are dreaming bigger, with hopes of a deep run in the tournament. The team’s disciplined defense, tactical maturity, and ability to seize decisive moments have already made them one of the standout stories of CHAN 2024. Now, the challenge will be to maintain momentum and keep writing this remarkable chapter in Kenya’s football journey.
