Kenya and Morocco begin CHAN 2024 campaigns with convincing wins

Kenya and Morocco marked their entries into the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with impressive victories, each securing three crucial points in Group A.

On a day where local enthusiasm matched the high stakes, Kenya edged past DR Congo 1-0, while Morocco asserted their dominance with a 2-0 win over Angola.

At a packed Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, Kenya’s Harambee Stars delivered a spirited performance to overcome two-time champions DR Congo.

Backed by a passionate crowd of 60,000 fans, Kenya started on the front foot, but it was the visitors who thought they had taken an early lead.

Jephté Kitambala found the net in the fifth minute, only for his goal to be ruled out for offside after a VAR intervention.

DR Congo gradually took control of possession, forcing Kenya onto the defensive.

However, Benny McCarthy’s side remained composed, biding their time before delivering a decisive blow.

In stoppage time of the first half, Austin Odhiambo latched onto a precise pass from David Sakwa and fired a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Brudel Efonge to give Kenya a 1-0 lead.

The Leopards pushed hard for an equaliser after the break.

Their best opportunity came when Heltone Kayembe unleashed a fierce drive that was expertly turned away by Kenyan keeper Byrne Omondi in the 59th minute.

Despite sustained Congolese pressure in the closing stages, Kenya’s defence stood firm to seal a crucial victory.

Later at the Nyayo National Stadium, Morocco lived up to their billing as tournament favourites, defeating Angola 2-0 in a match that showcased their clinical edge.

The Atlas Lions, under the guidance of Tarik Sektioui, broke the deadlock in the 29th minute when Imad Riahi was set free behind the defence by Mohamed Hrimat.

Riahi finished with aplomb, sliding the ball between Neblù’s legs.

Angola, managed by Pedro Gonçalves, struggled to find a foothold in the game.

Their task became even harder when Morocco doubled their advantage in the 81st minute.

Substitute Youness El Kaabi’s corner was inadvertently deflected into the net by Angolan defender Kinito, sealing the win for the reigning champions.

Morocco could have added a third, but Neblù produced a fine save late on to keep the scoreline respectable.

In Group B action, Mauritania and Madagascar battled to a goalless draw at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Mauritania dominated possession, especially after Madagascar’s Andriamirado Andrianamirandana was sent off in the 39th minute, but failed to find a breakthrough.

The next round of fixtures will see Morocco face co-hosts Kenya in a highly anticipated showdown, while Angola will seek redemption against Zambia.

In Group B, Tanzania, fresh off their opening win, will meet Mauritania, and Burkina Faso will look to recover against debutants Central African Republic.

Group A standings:

Group B standings: