2024 CHAN: Benni McCarthy guids Kenya to quarterfinals after win over Zambia

Kenya have confirmed their place in the quarterfinals of the 2024 African Nations Championship after edging Zambia 1-0 on Sunday afternoon.

The match started brightly for Chipolopolo, who nearly opened the scoring in the sixth minute, only for Evans Kirwage to clear a last-ditch effort off the goal line.

Four minutes later, Ryan Ogam came close for the Harambee Stars, but his close-range strike was scrambled away by goalkeeper Charles Kalumba.

After the fast start, both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances, leaving the game finely poised at halftime.

In the second half, Zambia probed for an opener, with Kelvin Kampamba firing wide from a promising position inside the box.

Kenya coach Benni McCarthy made double substitutions just under ten minutes into the second half, bringing on Masoud Juma for Odhiambo and Boniface Muchiri for Sakwa.

The changes nearly paid off immediately, as Juma headed at the back post following a lofted cross, only for Kalumba to make a crucial save.

Kenya finally broke the deadlock in the 75th minute when Muchiri’s intelligent forward run set up Ogam, who controlled the ball and fired past the goalkeeper.

Zambia responded with pressure, with Kampamba curling a dangerous strike from outside the area, forcing Shikhalo to palm the ball over the crossbar.

Despite the late threat, Kenya held on to secure the 1-0 victory and advance to the knockout stages.