By Satish Sekar © Satish Sekar (August 10^th 2025)

Group A Matchday 3

Fresh from their hard-fought draw against Angola’s Palancas Negras, Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars faced their stiffest test against Tariq Sektiouni’s Atlas Lions who were looking stretch their impressive unbeaten run.

Morocco succumbed to an unexpected 0-1 defeat thanks to thanks to Rambok Ryan Ogam’s goal after 42 minutes. Kenya had to hold on to their lead for the whole of the second half as Chrispine Erambo received his marching orders deep into added time at the end of the first half. Morocco’s first meaningful attack was a header against the post from point blank range, but his embarrassment was spared as play was called back for an offside earlier in the move – albeit belatedly.

After an attack on the left was thwarted by a blocked shot by Ben Omondi, the ball broke to Ogam who set himself up and shot to the goalkeeper, El Mehdi El-Harrar’s right with his left foot to give the Harambee Stars the lead. Their joy was short-lived as Erambo was sent off after a VAR review for a foul on Anas El-Mahraoui 4 minutes into first half added time.

Kenya defended obdurately to frustrate Tariq Sektioui’s Atlas Lions and bring their unbeaten streak of 14 matches in CHAN Finals to an end. Morocco now needs a victory over Angola in their next match to reignite their campaign. Meanwhile, Benni McCarthy has rejuvenated Kenyan football. The Harambee Stars sit proudly at the top of Group A with 7 points. A security breach at the Kasarani Stadium, which caused overcrowding took some of the gloss off Kenya’s win, prompting investigations by CAF’s Disciplinary Committee and Safety Committee.

Meanwhile, Angola beat Avram Grant’s Zambia 2-1 despite the Chipolopolo opening the scoring when Dominic Chanda pounced after sloppy work by Angolan goalkeeper Neblú from a freekick for a tap-in after 73 minutes. Grant’s team failed to hold the lead, surrendering the match to two goals from substitute Kaporal after 79 and 86 minutes. Gogoró bagged the assist from the byline on the left of the area for the equaliser. Kaporal reacted best for a scrappy winner seven minutes later.

The Chipolopolo now face an uphill struggle to qualify for the knockout phase. Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo are tied on 3 points each after two matches, while Angola has four from three matches and Kenya top the group with 7 points from three matches.