- Ryan Wesley Ogam scored the winning goal as Kenya beat Zambia 1-0 at Kasarani.
- Harambee Stars finished top of Group A with 10 points.
- Coach Benni McCarthy rotated his squad with key recalls and fresh starts.
- President William Ruto and Raila Odinga were among fans at Kasarani.
- Each player pocketed KSh 2.5m, raising total bonuses to KSh 5m.
- Kenya will face Madagascar in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Star striker Ryan Wesley Ogam once again rose to the occasion, scoring the decisive goal in Harambee Stars’ 1-0 win over Zambia at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Ogam, who also netted against Morocco, applied a cool one-touch finish with his left foot inside the box to seal Kenya’s progression as Group A winners with 10 points.
Coach Benni McCarthy made notable changes, starting goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo for the first time in the tournament, recalling Marvin Omondi Nabwire from suspension, and restoring playmaker Austin Odhiambo to the lineup.
In the first half, Zambia’s Kelvin Kampamba coming closest with a free-kick that curled narrowly wide.
The second half came alive after the introduction of Masud Juma and Boniface Muchiri.
Juma’s glancing header forced a fine save from Zambian goalkeeper Charles Kaluma, while Muchiri’s powerful free-kick needed a fingertip stop.
As heavy rain poured over Kasarani, the home crowd roared louder, and Ogam delivered the moment of magic that sent fans, including President William Ruto and former opposition leader Raila Odinga ,into wild celebration.
In the other match, Morocco defeated DR Congo 3-1 at Nyayo Stadium to finish second, setting up a quarter-final against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam.
Kenya, meanwhile, will stay at Kasarani to take on Madagascar in Friday’s clash.
Each Harambee Stars player and staff member received KSh 2.5 million for the Zambia victory, pushing their tournament bonuses to KSh 5 million.
With momentum and the nation firmly behind them, McCarthy’s men will be looking to extend their fairytale run and prove Kenya’s place among Africa’s elite.
