CHAN2024: Ryan Ogam's strike sends Kenya past Zambia and top of Group A
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 17.08.25. | 17:10
The result capped an impressive group campaign for Harambee Stars, who registered three wins and a draw against formidable opposition.
Kenya’s Harambee Stars secured top spot in Group A after edging out a resilient Zambia 1-0 in a tense encounter at a packed Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, 17 August.
Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News
Tusker forward Ryan Ogam was the hero of the evening, striking fifteen minutes from time to break Zambian resistance and ensure Kenya closed the group stage with ten points ,one ahead of Morocco, who overcame DR Congo 3-1 at Nyayo National Stadium.
The victory sets up a quarter-final clash against Madagascar on Friday, 22 August, back at Kasarani.
As anticipated, the contest opened at a frenetic pace. Kenya, eager to cement first place, pressed high while Zambia, already eliminated, sought to bow out with pride. Chances arrived early, with Ben Stanley winning a free-kick inside five minutes, only for Austin Odhiambo’s delivery to be cleared.
Moments later, Zambia almost stunned the home crowd when Kelvin Mubanga pounced on a defensive lapse, but Michael Kibwage’s alert goal-line clearance kept the score intact.
Kenya responded in kind, with Ogam and Odhiambo both coming close, while Stanley forced the Zambian backline into desperate blocks. Captain Aboud Omar also tested the visitors with a thunderous strike that deflected narrowly wide.
Despite their dominance, the Harambee Stars entered the break frustrated, with Zambia’s Charles Kalumba proving a formidable presence between the posts.
The second half mirrored the first — end-to-end action, with Zambia threatening through Mubanga and Prince Mumba before Kenya regained control.
Coach Benni McCarthy introduced Masoud Juma and Boniface Muchiri, changes that injected fresh impetus into Kenya’s attack. Juma twice went close before Ogam finally delivered the breakthrough.
With 75 minutes played, Muchiri sliced through Zambia’s defence and found Ogam, whose composed first touch set up a low finish past Kalumba , his second goal of the tournament and one that sent Kasarani into raptures.
Zambia pushed for a late equaliser, Mubanga drawing a superb save from Farouk Shikalo, but Kenya stood firm. In stoppage time, Marvin Nabwire and Muchiri both tested Kalumba, yet the lone strike proved enough.
The result capped an impressive group campaign for Harambee Stars, who registered three wins and a draw against formidable opposition.
.jpg)
.jpg)
