CAF Denounces Security Breaches During Kenya-Morocco CHAN 2024 Match
In an official letter addressed to the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) in Kenya, CAF condemned the persistent security breaches observed during matches involving the Kenyan national team. The continental governing body specifically referenced serious incidents that took place during the Kenya-Morocco match played on Sunday.
Morocco began their quest for a third CHAN title with a solid 2-0 victory over Angola in the Group A opener at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on August 3. However, their momentum was halted by the defeat to Kenya a week later.
Among the reported incidents were a broken access door, spectators entering without tickets, attendance exceeding the stadium's regulatory capacity of 48,000, and unauthorized entry into areas reserved for media.
CAF has referred these security failures to the appropriate authorities for investigation and appropriate measures. The organization has also initiated discussions with the LOC and the Kenyan government to ensure strict compliance with CAF regulations, particularly those related to security protocols.
The match, which Kenya won 1-0, took place in a tense atmosphere, raising questions about security management throughout the competition. Kasarani Stadium, where these events occurred, is scheduled to host the tournament final on August 30 in a competition co-organized by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
On the sporting front, Morocco suffered its first defeat in the tournament against host nation Kenya. The Atlas Lions now find themselves obligated to win their next two matches to qualify for the second round, starting with their upcoming fixture against Zambia on Thursday.
Despite entering the tournament as favorites, coach Tarik Sektioui's team struggled to convert their technical superiority into goals. After a promising start in the first fifteen minutes, Morocco's momentum was disrupted when striker Ayoub Mouloua sustained an injury that forced his substitution.
Kenya's Rayan Ogam capitalized on a defensive lapse to score with a powerful, well-placed shot in the 42nd minute, giving the home side the advantage. Kenya played most of the second half with ten men following Christine Erambo's logical expulsion for a bad foul just before halftime.
Despite the numerical advantage and substitutions that reinvigorated their attack, Morocco failed to equalize. Saber Bougrine and Youssef Mehri provided fresh energy, but the Atlas Lions lacked precision in the final third. The Moroccan team will need to quickly regroup to avoid an early exit from the competition.
Read also: CHAN 2024: Three Nations Unite to Host African Championship Tags: CHAN 2024Confederation of African Football
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