CHAN 2024: Why Harambee Stars Can Still Play in Tanzania Despite Winning Group A

• Harambee Stars topped the proverbial 'Group of Death' at the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN)
• Kenya beat Zambia in the final group game to finish with 10 points and avoid a quarter-final match-up against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam
• However, there is a good chance Kenya could still play in Tanzania at CHAN 2024 as they prepare to play Madagascar in the quarters

Harambee Stars beat Zambia 1-0 on Sunday to win their group at the African Nations Championships (CHAN).

Ryan Ogam was once again the hero of the day, scoring the only goal in the 75th minute, to take his tally in the tournament to two goals.

Zambia, who had already been eliminated, frustrated Kenya for long spells in the game, but were eventually breached after substitute Boniface Muchiri beautifully teed up Ogam.

It was a crucial win as it lifted Kenya to the top of Group A. Morocco finished in second place after thumping the Democratic Republic of Congo 3-1 at the Nyayo Stadium.

Read also

Savage swipe: Harambee Stars boss taunts Tanzania ahead of CHAN quarter-finals

After three wins and a draw, Kenya has 10 points, ahead of Morocco's nine, as both teams qualify for the quarter-finals.

Finishing as number one in the group means that Kenya will play their quarter-final match in front of home support at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani.

Finishing second would have seen Benni McCarthy's side make the dreaded trip to Dar es Salaam to face Tanzania in their quarter-finals.

However, following Sunday's results, it is Morocco who will be making the trip south as Madagascar, who finished second behind Tanzania, travel to Nairobi to face Kenya.

Why Kenya can still play in Tanzania

But despite avoiding the Tanzania trip, Kenya are still not yet out of the woods. If they beat Madagascar in the quarter-final, their semi-final match is slated for the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Kenya will not host any semi-final matches, with one set for Dar, while the other one will be at the Namboole Stadium in Uganda.

Read also

CHAN 2024: Kenyans overjoyed as Harambee Stars beats Zambia in crucial match

So, should they beat Madagascar, a trip to Tanzania is unavoidable, just not to play the hosts, Taifa Stars.

According to the official CHAN fixtures, Kenya's quarter-final has been earmarked as match 37.

Who will Kenya face in the semi-finals?

The winner of match 37 will play the winner of match 40 in the semi-final in Dar on August 26. Match number 40 will be a contest between whoever finishes first in Group D and whoever finishes second in Group C.

Group C and D are yet to be finalised, but as things stand, Uganda top Group C with six points, just ahead of Algeria and South Africa's five. The Cranes play South Africa in their last game while Algeria face Niger in Nairobi.

In Group D, the race for the top two spots is down to Senegal, Sudan and Congo. Sudan and Senegal are tied at four points apiece ahead of their showdown on Tuesday. Congo will be hoping that one team drops points for them to capitalise on when they play an already eliminated Nigeria.

Read also

CHAN 2024: Harambee Stars quarter-final opponents confirmed ahead of Zambia clash

Speaking after the game, McCarthy lauded his players for taking nothing for granted despite having qualified for the quarter-finals already before the game.

"It was very important for us to finish off the hard work that we’ve put in. The players on the training pitch really put in the effort, they work hard, and I think in the group we weren’t meant to be where we are at the moment, but it's all down to the players."

"Zambia was stubborn today, they defended, they played very well, but at the end of the day, I think when we move the ball the way we did and then we create the chance for the goal."

McCarthy takes swipe at Tanzania

McCarthy also took a swipe at Tanzania, who will now have to get past Morocco in the quarter-finals.

The former Amazulu coach marshalled a gritty 1-0 win over Morocco with a man disadvantage and has now taunted Tanzania to do something similar.

Tanzania and Morocco will play on August 22 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

Source: TUKO.co.ke