Dreams are made in afternoons such as these in the golden light of Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani where ten-man Harambee Stars stunned two-time champions Morocco with a 1-0 victory in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Against all odds, and despite a red card that left them a man short, Kenya not only secured a famous win but also ended Morocco’s 14-game unbeaten run in the tournament.
The mastermind behind the upset was coach Benni McCarthy, who introduced six surprise changes to his starting line-up that threw Morocco off balance from the first whistle. His tactical shake-up propelled Kenya to the top of Group A with seven points, meaning even a defeat to Zambia in their final group game would still see them progress to the knockout stage.
The decisive moment came in the 42nd minute when Ryan Ogam, one of McCarthy’s surprise inclusions, scored his maiden international goal. A minute later, Chrispine Erambo’s red card threatened to shift the momentum, but Kenya’s resilience under McCarthy’s second-half tactical adjustments saw them defend with unmatched grit until the final whistle.
The first of McCarthy’s six “secret cards” was keeping goalkeeper Byrne Omondi in goal, despite speculation he might opt for a younger alternative. Omondi’s commanding presence included a critical 37th-minute save that lifted the home crowd. In defence, McCarthy completely reshuffled his backline, bringing in Mohammed Siraj, Mike Kibwage, and Lewis Bandi for Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, and Daniel Sakari. The trio combined physicality, composure, and relentless running to nullify Morocco’s attack.
In midfield, Erambo replaced suspended Marvin Nabwire and provided early stability before his unfortunate dismissal. Up front, Ben Stanley Omondi was introduced alongside Ogam to inject pace and unpredictability, their chemistry unsettling Morocco’s defence and contributing to the winning goal.
The breakthrough stemmed from Omondi’s quick build-up play from the back, leading to a Moroccan clearance that fell to Ogam, who shifted left and fired a low shot into the far corner. The home supporters, motivated by a promised cash bounty for victory, roared the team on.
Even under siege, Kenya refused to crumble. VAR overturned a Moroccan penalty, and a goal-line clearance kept the lead intact. Every Moroccan attack was met with deafening support until the final whistle sealed a tactical masterclass. With his six bold changes, McCarthy didn’t just beat Morocco he outmanoeuvred them.
