Kenya’s Harambee Stars have punched their ticket to the quarter-finals of the CHAN 2024 tournament without even setting foot on the pitch today.

The dramatic turn of events came after mixed results from Group A matches on Thursday, August 14, 2025, where Morocco defeated Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo edged Angola. Those outcomes, combined with Kenya’s earlier performances, sealed the deal for their progression.

With two wins and a draw under their belt, Harambee Stars boast 7 points and a superior head-to-head record over their closest rivals. Their victories against both DR Congo and Morocco, each by a 1-0 margin, proved decisive in ensuring their place in the knockout stage.

Kenya sits comfortably at the top of Group A with Morocco close behind on 6 points from the same number of matches. Zambia, still without a point, and Angola have both been eliminated from the competition, as only the top two teams in each group advance to the quarter-finals.

The Stars’ final group fixture against Zambia is set for Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Kasarani Stadium. While the match offers a chance to secure the top spot in Group A, even a loss would not derail their progress to the next stage. Meanwhile, Morocco will face DR Congo in the other fixture, a clash that could decide who finishes second.

Co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, CHAN 2024 has so far been a showcase of competitive football and emerging talent from across the continent. For the Harambee Stars, this early qualification not only boosts morale but also gives them extra preparation time for the high-stakes quarter-finals.

Fans have flooded social media with celebratory messages, many joking about the “luxury” of advancing without the stress of a matchday. But the team is keeping its eyes firmly on the prize. With a perfect record against their strongest group opponents, Kenya will be hoping to carry that momentum deep into the tournament.

For now, Harambee Stars can enjoy the rare pleasure of watching results work in their favour, before stepping back onto the pitch to prove why they belong in the last eight.