Kenya’s Harambee Stars have written a new chapter in the nation’s football history after sealing a place in the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 tournament with one group match still to play.
The milestone achievement came on Thursday, August 14, following a combination of their own strong performances and favorable results in other Group A fixtures. This is Kenya’s debut appearance at CHAN — and they are making it count.
Tournament Format: How CHAN 2024 Works
The CHAN 2024 tournament features 19 teams divided into four groups. Groups A, B, and C each have five teams, while Group D has four.
The top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals, with the knockout pairings already confirmed as:
- Winner Group A vs Second Group B
- Winner Group B vs Second Group A
- Winner Group C vs Second Group D
- Winner Group D vs Second Group C
For Kenya, finishing top of Group A means playing the quarterfinals at home at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani, while finishing second could mean a tough away tie in Tanzania.
Kenya’s Road to the Quarterfinals
The Harambee Stars kicked off their CHAN 2024 campaign in style:
- Kenya 1-0 DR Congo – A tight opening win that gave the Stars an early advantage.
- Kenya 1-1 Angola – A hard-fought draw that kept momentum alive.
- Kenya 1-0 Morocco – A shock victory over one of Africa’s strongest sides, pushing them to the top of Group A with 7 points.
These results put Kenya in a commanding position before Thursday’s other Group A matches. Morocco beat Zambia 3-1, while DR Congo edged Angola, ensuring that Zambia and Angola could no longer catch up.
Why Harambee Stars Have Qualified With a Game to Spare
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) tiebreak rules were key to confirming Kenya’s early qualification.
- First tiebreaker: Head-to-head results between tied teams.
- Second: Goal difference in all group matches.
- Third: Total goals scored in all group matches.
- Fourth: Fair play record (points deducted for yellow/red cards).
- Fifth: Drawing of lots if all else is equal.
Because Kenya has already beaten both Morocco and DR Congo in direct encounters, no combination of final results can knock them out of the top two in Group A — even if they lose their last match.
Current Group A Standings
| Team | Points | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | 7 | +2 |
| Morocco | 6 | +3 |
| DR Congo | 6 | +3 |
| Angola | 4 | -3 |
| Zambia | 0 | -5 |
Focus Shifts to Final Group Match Against Zambia
Kenya’s last Group A game is set for Sunday, August 17, 2025, at MISC Kasarani against a Zambia side already eliminated from the tournament.
A win would:
- Guarantee Kenya finishes top of Group A.
- Keep their unbeaten record intact.
- Secure a home quarterfinal, most likely against either Mauritania or Madagascar from Group B.
However, a draw opens the door for Morocco or DR Congo to leapfrog Kenya if either wins their final match. A loss could push Kenya down to second place, forcing them to travel to Tanzania for the quarters.
Morocco vs DR Congo: The Group A Decider
While Kenya plays Zambia, Morocco and DR Congo will meet at the Nyayo National Stadium in a match that could determine who joins the Stars in the quarterfinals — and who tops the group if Kenya slips up.
A draw between Morocco and DR Congo would mean that Kenya tops the group regardless of their own result, as they would finish on 8 points compared to 7 for the others.
Coach Benny McCarthy’s Preparations
Following the crucial win over Morocco, coach Benny McCarthy gave the players two days off to recover. Training resumed on Wednesday, August 13, with a focus on maintaining sharpness ahead of the Zambia match.
McCarthy emphasized the importance of staying grounded:
“Qualification is just the first step. We want to keep winning, keep improving, and give the Kenyan fans a reason to believe.”
What’s at Stake for Harambee Stars
Beyond just pride, topping Group A comes with strategic benefits:
- Home advantage in the quarterfinal.
- Avoiding a possible clash with the in-form Tanzania, who currently lead Group B with 9 points from three matches.
- Momentum heading into the knockout stages, which is crucial in tournament football.
The Bigger Picture for Kenyan Football
Kenya’s success at CHAN 2024 is already a landmark achievement. The competition, which features only players who play in their domestic leagues, has provided a platform for local talent to shine on the continental stage.
With each victory, the Harambee Stars are not just chasing silverware — they are redefining Kenya’s place in African football.
Next Match:
Kenya vs Zambia
📅 Sunday, August 17, 2025
🏟️ MISC Kasarani, Nairobi
⏰ Kick-off: 7:00 PM EAT