Historic Victory for 10,Man Harambee Stars
NAIROBI, August 10, 2025, In an unforgettable night at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, a resilient 10,man Harambee Stars clinched a dramatic 1,0 victory over two,time CHAN champions Morocco in their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Group A clash. The sold,out 48,000,seater stadium was a fortress of passion, with fans forcing their way past gates to fuel an electric atmosphere that propelled Kenya to a historic quarter,final berth.
Match of High Drama and Determination
The match was a rollercoaster from the start, with Kenya facing a formidable Moroccan side unbeaten in 14 CHAN matches. Disaster struck early when midfielder Marvin Nabwire was sent off with a red card in the 21st minute for a reckless challenge, leaving the Stars a man down. Undeterred, Kenya, backed by a frenzied crowd, struck gold in the 40th minute. Ryan Ogam seized a pinpoint through ball from captain Aboud Omar, firing a low, clinical shot past Morocco’s goalkeeper to spark wild celebrations. The goal sent shockwaves through Kasarani, with fans scaling barriers to join the roaring masses.
Second Half Heroics Seal Victory
Morocco pushed back fiercely in the second half, with Imad Riahi testing goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, whose heroics kept Kenya in the lead. A critical moment came in the 68th minute when Morocco appealed for a penalty, only for VAR to rule no foul, prompting roars of approval from the stands. Coach Benni McCarthy’s tactical substitutions, including Aboud Omar and Daniel Sakari for Mohammed Siraj and Suleiman Manzur, fortified Kenya’s defense against Morocco’s late changes of Boughrine and Medri. The Stars held firm, their resolve matched by the deafening support of fans who had stormed the gates.
Post,Match Reactions and Group Standings
“We fought like lions,” said McCarthy post,match. “With 10 men, against a giant like Morocco, and our fans carrying us? This is Kenyan football at its finest.” Aisha Wanjiku, among the gatecrashers, echoed, “We weren’t just spectators, we were the heartbeat of this win!” Ryan Ogam’s strike secured Kenya’s seven points, topping Group A after a 1,0 win over DR Congo and a 1,1 draw against Angola.
As debates over stadium security and ticket access simmer, the night of August 10 belongs to a 10,man Harambee Stars and their irrepressible fans, whose “occupation” of Kasarani Stadium forged a legendary triumph in Kenyan football history.
