- The Harambee Stars book quarterfinal spot with a game to spare at the ongoing CHAN 2024 tournament.
- Kenya’s progression was confirmed after DR Congo and Morocco won their matches on Thursday, August 14, defeating Angola and Zambia 2-0 and 3-1 respectively.
- However, they must defeat Zambia on Sunday to clinch top position in their group and earn home advantage for their knockout match.
The national men’s team, Harambee Stars,have already secured a spot in the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 quarterfinals.
Kenya’s progression was confirmed after DR Congo and Morocco won their matches on Thursday, August 14 as they defeated Angola and Zambia 2-0 and 3-1 respectively.
However, they must defeat Zambia on Sunday to clinch top position in their group and earn home advantage for their knockout match.
Morocco and DR Congo victories elevated both teams to six points, just one behind Kenya, who sit at the top of the group with seven points.
In the final round of group stage fixtures, DR Congo will face Morocco in a decisive clash.
The winner of that encounter will automatically qualify for the quarterfinals.
In the event of a draw, Morocco will advance due to their superior head-to-head record against Congo.
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Harambee Stars book quarterfinal spot
Meanwhile, Kenya will progress to the last 8 regardless of the DR Congo vs Morocco result as they boast a better head-to-head record against both teams, having defeated each of them 1-0 in their previous encounters.
However, a win against Zambia remains crucial for Kenya to finish first in the group and secure a home advantage in the knockout round.
Why beating Zambia is crucial for Harambee Stars
Despite already booking their place in the quarterfinals, Kenya must defeat Zambia to finish as Group A leaders.
This will allow them to host their quarterfinal match against either Madagascar or Mauritania, the likely runners-up in Group B.
Should Kenya lose to Zambia, and either DR Congo or Morocco win their match, the Harambee Stars could drop to second place.
In that scenario, they would be forced to travel to Tanzania to face Taifa Stars, the current leaders of Group B.
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A draw could still favor Kenya, provided Morocco and DR Congo also draw, a result that would ensure Kenya retains top spot and the all-important home advantage.
Regardless of Sunday’s outcome, Kenya will receive KES 58 million from CAF for reaching the quarterfinals, a significant reward in their CHAN debut.
Moreover, a win against Zambia will trigger an additional KES 2.5 million each as presidential bonus pledged by President William Ruto.
Angola and Zambia’s CHAN 2024 tourney ends in disappointment
Pre-tournament favorites Angola have officially exited the competition, finishing with four points after completing all their group fixtures. Their campaign ends in disappointment despite early promise.
On the other hand, Zambia’s Chipolopolo have endured a challenging tournament and are still winless.
They will be seeking to restore some pride with a strong performance against Kenya on Sunday in hopes of bowing out on a high note.