Kenya is through to the quarterfinals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Harambee Stars secured a spot in the last eight on Thursday night after DR Congo stunned Angola 2-0 in a penultimate Group A match at MISC Kasarani.
Second-half headers from Jephté Kitambala and substitute Jonathan Mokonzi sealed a result that keeps the Leopards A’ firmly in the qualification race from Group A.
Earlier in the day, Morocco defeated Zambia 3-1, setting up a likely semi-final decider between DR Congo and Morocco on Sunday. Angola’s campaign ended in disappointment after failing to score.
Follow The Standard
channel
on WhatsApp
Kenya currently tops Group A with seven points and a goal difference of two, following a 2-1 win over DR Congo, a 1-0 win over Morocco, and a 1-1 draw against Angola in their three opening matches.
Morocco sits second with six points, level on points with DR Congo, both tied with a goal difference of three goals.
If Morocco and DR Congo draw on Sunday and Kenya loses to Zambia, Harambee Stars will still qualify for the quarterfinals under the 2024 CHAN tiebreaker rules.
According to the tournament regulations, in the event of a tie between two teams, priority is first given to the head-to-head result, followed by goal difference across all group matches, and then total goals scored.
If teams remain level, fair play conduct is considered, with points deducted as follows: one point for a yellow card, three points for two yellow cards in a match (red card), four points for a direct red card, and five points for a yellow card plus a direct red card.
Kenya, however, must beat Zambia to finish top of the group and avoid a possible quarterfinal matchup against Group B leaders Tanzania.
If they top Group A, Harambee Stars will face Mauritania at home.