Kenya’s CHAN Journey — Morocco, Zambia, Angola & the Madagascar Heartbreak

Kenya’s CHAN PAMOJA 2024 at Kasarani saw a ten-man win over Morocco, solid results vs Zambia and Angola, and a dramatic penalty exit to Madagascar.

It Began with Fire at Kasarani

Flags snapped in the wind, drums beating, and every seat full when Kenya walked out in front of a packed Kasarani on 10 August 2025, the expectation was electric. From that moment, CHAN PAMOJA 2024 was less a tournament and more a national proving ground. Kenya’s campaign ended in the quarterfinals following a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out loss to Madagascar, but the journey marked by grit vs Morocco, draws vs Angola, and a decisive win over Zambia proved this is a team capable of setting new standards.

Tournament Snapshot

Item                                                                      Detail

Tournament                                             CHAN PAMOJA 2024

Dates                                                      August 2025

Co-hosts                                                 Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda

Venue (for Kenya home matches)             Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani

Kenya’s Final Position                             Reached quarterfinals (eliminated via penalties vs Madagascar)

       Group                                                     Group A (with Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia)

Match Vignettes

1. Morocco – August 10, 2025: Ten Men, One Goal, Massive Roar

Kenya stunned two-time CHAN champions Morocco 1-0. Ryan Ogam’s 42′ strike rifled into the corner after a blocked shot rebound sent Kasarani into raptures. But just before halftime, Chrispine Erambo was shown red following a VAR review (upgraded from yellow) for a serious foul on Anas El Mahraoui.

With ten men for the entire second half, Kenya shifted into a 5-man defensive block. Byrne Omondi made several crucial saves; center-backs Owino and Kibwage blocked shots and cleared danger. The defensive resolve was perhaps best underlined by Morocco being restricted to only a few shots on target and limited presence in the final third after the red card. “Despite being down a man, we believed we could close the game out,” said Ryan Ogam in a post-match interview.

2. Angola – August 7, 2025: Resilience & Redemption

Kenya drew 1-1 with Angola in a match that tested their capacity for adversity. Angola struck early via João Paciência in the 7′ minute. Austin Odhiambo equalized in the 12′ minute with a penalty after a VAR-confirmed foul by Mafuta.

At 21′, Marvin Nabwire received a red card for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity, upgraded after VAR review. From then on, Kenya defended stoutly, with keeper Byrne Omondi making vital saves, fullbacks shutting down wide threats, and midfielders dropping deep. A Kasarani spectator noted, “It takes courage to fight with ten men for over 70 minutes Kenya showed heart tonight.”

3.  Kenya beat Zambia 1-0—again scored by Ryan Ogam—to claim the top position in Group A with 10 points.

The assist came from Boniface Muchiri, and the goal arrived in the 75′ minute. Zambia failed to score across the tournament. Tactically, Kenya displayed more control, crowding midfield and pressing when Zambia tried to build from the back. Substitutions were used to hold the lead; coach McCarthy brought on fresh legs to maintain energy and defensive discipline.

4. Madagascar – August 22, 2025: Heartbreak in Penalties

Kenya took the lead through Alphonce Omija in the 48′ minute. Madagascar equalized via a Fenohasina Gilles penalty in the 69′ minute after a handball by Lewis Bandi. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, moving to penalties.

In the shootout: Siraj Mohammed, Daniel Sakari, and Sylvester Owino converted for Kenya; Madagascar scored all of their first four. Then Mike Kibwage’s effort was saved, and Alphonce Omija missed the deciding spot kick, dragging it wide. Madagascar won the shootout 4-3. Coach McCarthy later said, “There’s pain tonight—but also pride. We showed we belong.”

Key Themes & Analysis

Strengths:

• Defensive resolve: Kenya conceded just 2 goals in five matches.
• Tactical flexibility: Shifting formations (5-man block vs Morocco/Angola) under pressure worked.
• Breakout players: Ryan Ogam’s poise and scoring; Odhiambo’s composure under pressure.

Weaknesses:

• Penalty shootouts: execution faltered vs Madagascar.
• Dependence on tactical discipline over attacking width; few goals scored beyond the key ones.
• Depth challenges visible in extra time and in managing fatigue later in tournament.

Implications for League & Scouting

• Domestic league reputation improves players like Ogam, Omija, and Odhiambo are now hotter prospects for both local clubs and potential moves abroad.

• Coaching expectations rise: McCarthy’s ability to adapt and to prepare players for pressure will be benchmarked.

• Infrastructure wins: Kasarani and pitch standards, stadium readiness reaffirmed.

What to Watch Next (KPIs)

1. Verification and payout of promised bonuses/incentives.
2. Moves for standout players (contracts, trials abroad).
3. Domestic league quality: attendance, sponsorship, youth development.
4. CAF certification retention for hosting venues.
5. Performance in upcoming AFCON / World Cup qualifiers building on CHAN momentum.

Closing Scene

The roar of Kasarani after Ogam’s goal, the collective gasp when Madagascar equalized, the anguish when Omija’s penalty slipped wide those are the moments Kenyans will remember. CHAN PAMOJA 2024 may have ended at the quarterfinals, but it was never about just one win or one match. It was about belief, resurgence, and the promise of what comes next.