Star striker Ryan Wesley Ogam was once again the hero, scoring for the second game running as Harambee Stars edged Zambia’s Chipolopolo 1-0 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday afternoon to seal passage to the quarterfinals as Group ‘A’ leaders.
The victory earned each player and member of the technical bench Sh2.5 million in bonuses from the government, raising their cumulative earnings in the tournament to Sh5 million.
Ogam’s decisive strike — a deft one-touch finish with his lethal left foot inside the box — secured Kenya top spot on 10 points.
The Stars will now host Madagascar in the quarterfinals at the same venue on Friday.
Elsewhere, Morocco defeated DR Congo 3-1 at the Nyayo National Stadium to finish second behind Kenya.
The Atlas Lions will now face Group ‘B’ winners Tanzania in Dar es Salaam, also on Friday.
Coach Benni McCarthy, ever unpredictable with his selections, again rang the changes. Goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo earned his first minutes of the tournament, with the heroic Byrne Omondi — who had played every minute until this match — starting from the bench. Marvin Omondi Nabwire also returned after suspension from his red card against Angola, while midfield dynamo Austin Odhiambo was handed a starting role after beginning on the bench in the famous 1-0 win over Morocco.
The first half was cagey, far from the fireworks of Kenya’s triumph over Morocco. Zambia’s best chance fell to captain Kelvin Kampamba from a free-kick after David Sakwa was penalized just outside the box. With a clear sight of goal, Kampamba curled his attempt wide of the right post, leaving Shikalo untroubled.
Kenya also had their moments.
Ogam and Stanley Omondi combined smartly midway through the half, but their intricate build-up failed to produce an end product as Zambia recovered to clear the danger.
In the second half, McCarthy introduced Masud Juma and Boniface Muchiri in search of a breakthrough. Juma almost made an instant impact, his neat header forcing a fine save from Zambia goalkeeper Charles Kaluma.
At Nyayo Stadium, Morocco’s Lamlioui struck in the eighth minute before Congo’s danger man Kitambala Mbola equalized just before halftime. However, the Atlas Lions reclaimed the lead through a Hrimat penalty before Lamlioui completed his brace to seal a 3-1 victory.
Kenya piled on the pressure, with Boniface Muchiri’s thunderous free-kick forcing a fingertip save from Kaluma, as the crowd — led by President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga — roared the team on.
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