Kenya Seal Quarter-Final Spot With Hard-Fought Win Against Zambia

The match, which attracted over 27,000 fans, was filled with tension and excitement as both teams sought to close their group stage campaigns on a high. After a cagey first half, the decisive moment came in the 75th minute when substitute Boniface Muchiri delivered a well-timed cross that Ryan Ogam controlled brilliantly before slotting past Zambian goalkeeper Charles Kalumba. The stadium erupted in celebration as Kenya took a deserved lead, having dominated much of the game with disciplined defending and sharp attacking transitions. Despite Zambia’s late attempts to level the score, Kenya’s defense stood firm, with their goalkeeper pulling off a crucial late save to preserve the clean sheet. The result saw Kenya finish top of Group A with 10 points, ahead of Morocco on nine, while DR Congo and Angola fell short, and Zambia bowed out without securing a single point. Coach Benni McCarthy praised his players for rising to the occasion and proving their strength at home, while defender Daniel Sakari credited the passionate home support for pushing the team over the line. On the Zambian side, coach Avram Grant expressed pride in his young team despite the early exit, noting the valuable experience gained. With this win, Kenya not only secured bragging rights but also boosted their confidence heading into the quarter-finals, where they will face Madagascar at Kasarani on Friday, August 22. The Harambee Stars’ journey so far has sparked renewed belief among fans that this could be the year Kenya makes history in the CHAN tournament