Morocco’s unbeaten record faces Kenya’s roaring home crowd in CHAN showdown
In a tournament that thrives on drama, history, and national pride, Sunday’s clash between Morocco and co-hosts Kenya at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi promises all three in abundance.
It’s more than just a Group A fixture in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) — it’s a collision between a seasoned continental force and a host nation riding a wave of home support.
For Morocco, the equation is simple. Victory means one foot in the knockout stages. Head coach Tarik Sektioui is leaving no room for doubt.
“Our main objective is to get through the first round and that means a victory against Kenya,” he declared on the eve of the match.
“The match against the host country will be approached with the same will and determination to seek the three points of victory.”
Sektioui knows the challenge well. Kenya’s form — unbeaten after two games — makes them dangerous opponents, especially in front of their home crowd.
“Kenya has played well and the match against them will be difficult. We must give our all for 90 minutes on the pitch to achieve a positive result,” he added, underlining that every player in his squad “has abilities and adds value to the team’s performance.”
Morocco’s Momentum Meets Kenya’s Rising Confidence
This encounter marks Morocco’s first-ever CHAN meeting with Kenya, but the Atlas Lions’ record against East African sides offers confidence: unbeaten in five matches, with three wins and two draws.
More tellingly, Morocco have a habit of silencing tournament hosts — 4-1 against Rwanda in 2016 and 4-0 over Cameroon in the 2020 semi-finals.
Yet, Sektioui remains cautious, mindful of the dangers of overconfidence. His side had a week’s rest after their opening 2-0 win over Angola — a blessing and a potential pitfall. “It’s a double-edged sword that you have to manage well to put in a good performance,” he admitted.
From the players’ perspective, the focus is crystal clear. Winger Oussama Lamlioui knows the atmosphere will be charged.
“The match will be difficult because we will play against the host country which will be more motivated by its public, but we have prepared well to start this match well,” he said.
“Preparations are going well and we are ready to make the difference against Kenya. We will give our all during this match and secure the three points of victory.”
Kenya’s Defiant Stand Under McCarthy
Kenya arrive with confidence of their own. A 1-0 win over DR Congo and a hard-fought goalless draw with Angola have put them within touching distance of the quarter-finals.
Austin Odhiambo has been the star man, scoring both of Kenya’s goals and becoming the first Kenyan to net in consecutive matches in CAF senior competition.
Head coach Benni McCarthy — who famously scored against Morocco in the 1998 AFCON — knows exactly what his players are up against.
“Morocco is a strong and well-organized team. It will be a tough match against one of the best teams not only in our group, but in the league,” he acknowledged.
Fatigue could be a factor, with Kenya having played just two days earlier.
“Morocco has had a week to prepare for this match, as we played our last match only two days ago,” McCarthy said.
“I hope the motivation and physical condition will be there to play well in the match against Morocco.”
For McCarthy, the challenge is also an opportunity. “Several positive things have come out of our first two matches, such as resilience and strong character, and I hope that will show against Morocco.
Morocco is unpredictable and that is why we must produce quality and be more organized in all areas of the game.”
History Beckons
Morocco’s CHAN record speaks volumes: unbeaten in their last 14 matches (12 wins, 2 draws), with three consecutive clean sheets and just two defeats in 20 games. A second straight win here would mirror their flawless start in 2018 — the year they went on to lift the trophy.
Kenya, meanwhile, are chasing their own piece of history. A win would make them only the third debutant in CHAN history to reach the knockout stages, and they would do it by toppling one of the tournament’s giants.
When the whistle blows on Sunday evening, it won’t just be about three points. It will be about a host’s courage, a champion’s ambition, and the kind of football theatre that makes CHAN unforgettable.