Despite being reduced to ten men, Kenya pulled off a surprising victory against Morocco, ending their 14-match unbeaten streak. Ryan Wasley scored the winning goal in the 42nd minute, though Chrisphine Erambo received a red card just before halftime. Kenya held on for the win despite being dominated in the second half.This victory secures Kenya's spot in the quarter-finals, as they remain at the top of Group A. They are set to face the second-placed team from either Group B or C.
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Before that, Kenya will play their final group stage match against Zambia on Sunday, August 17th, at 22:00 EAT at the Moi International Sports Centre.
Kenya’s head coach, Benni McCarthy, praised his players’resilience and credited the win to disciplined “game management” inspired by his time under José Mourinho at FC Porto. “To play with ten men is hell, but we stayed organized, defended as a unit, and parked both a bus and a train in front of goal if needed,” McCarthy told reporters, emphasizing the tactical sacrifice and mental toughness required to preserve the lead. His decision to rotate the squad and introduce fresh legs proved crucial in neutralizing Morocco’s relentless second-half pressure.
Ryan Wasley, who scored the decisive goal, revealed that McCarthy’s pre-match words fueled his performance. “He told me to give my all and not think about minutes or fatigue,” Wasley said after the game. That confidence translated into a composed finish in the 42nd minute, which ultimately sealed the historic win. With their unbeaten run intact and home fans firmly behind them, Kenya will carry both momentum and belief into the quarter-finals.
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