CHAN
Kenya winger Muchiri earns military promotion after stellar CHAN campaign
Kenya winger Boniface Muchiri has been rewarded with a promotion in his military career with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) following his outstanding performances during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
Muchiri, who also captains Ulinzi Stars, the KDF’s Kenyan Premier League side, has risen from the rank of Senior Private to Corporal, a significant leap that reflects both his service on the pitch and his dedication to the military.
The winger featured prominently for the Harambee Stars as they reached the quarter-finals of the competition designed for home-based players.
Muchiri was instrumental in the Harambee Stars’ impressive maiden campaign, registering two key assists and playing a vital role in Kenya’s spirited run.
The new rank was conferred at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi on Wednesday by the General Officer Commanding Eastern Command, Major General Luka Kutto.
The ceremony was presided over by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri, who expressed immense pride in Muchiri’s achievements.
Boniface Muchiri in action during the quarterfinal duel with Morocco.
“We are very grateful for your commitment, hard work and excellent performance while serving Kenya and, by extension, the KDF. We wish you success in your future assignments and are confident you will continue to excel,” said the CDF.
Muchiri’s promotion came after Harambee Stars skipper Aboud Omar made a special request to Commander-in-Chief President William Ruto when he visited the team’s training camp before the start of the tournament, asking that Muchiri’s service to both football and the military be recognized.
Omar repeated the plea after Kenya’s memorable victory over two-time winners Morocco, and the request has now been duly granted.
For Muchiri, the recognition is both humbling and motivating.
“It is a massive honour to be received this way by my employer, the Kenya Defence Forces. It feels great to be appreciated like this, and it shows that whatever you do is valued,” Muchiri told CAFOnline.
“The support from the KDF in nurturing talent has been immense, and I am proud to be an example that if you perform, good things will follow.
He added: “I have managed to be where I am because of the values instilled in me at the KDF. Discipline and hard work are the foundation of the army, and anyone who observes them will always walk with favour by their side.”
Muchiri joined the KDF in late 2021 after leaving Tusker FC, and in just three years has not only cemented his place as a key figure in the national team but also earned swift progression within the military ranks.
His promotion now serves as a powerful morale boost to all sportsmen and women serving in the KDF, reaffirming the military’s commitment to supporting sporting excellence.
-Cafonline
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Morocco are through to the final of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 after defeating holders Senegal 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Tuesday night.
The Atlas Lions, champions in 2018 and 2020, kept their composure in the shootout to book a third CHAN final appearance in six years.
They will now face debut finalists Madagascar on Saturday in Nairobi, after the islanders beat Sudan earlier in the day.
Senegal had drawn first blood in the 16th minute through Joseph Layousse, who rose highest to head home Libasse Guèye’s corner.
Morocco responded swiftly seven minutes later when Sabir Bougrine unleashed a powerful long-range strike that flew into the top corner to make it 1-1.
Both sides had chances to edge ahead before the break — Layousse missed another close-range header, while Moroccan forward Anas Bach was denied by goalkeeper Marc Diouf.
The second half and extra time saw a few clear openings, with Morocco enjoying more possession but Senegal threatening on set pieces.
Goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar kept Morocco in contention with fine saves from Layousse and Seyni Ndiaye, while Diouf was equally sharp to frustrate Youssef Mehri and Oussama Lamlaoui.
With neither team able to find a breakthrough in 120 minutes, penalties decided the contest. Morocco were flawless from the spot, with Hrimat, Lamlaoui, Khairi, Bach, and Mehri all converting.
Senegal’s hopes dimmed when captain Seyni Ndiaye struck the crossbar with their opening kick. Although Vieux Cissé, Baye Ciss, and Daouda Ba scored, it was not enough to deny Morocco a 5-3 victory.
“It was a tough match against the defending champions, but the players showed composure in the key moments,” Morocco coach Tarik Sektioui said afterwards. “Now we want to win the trophy again.”
Senegal coach Souleymane Diallo, while disappointed, praised his side’s spirit: “This is a young generation writing its first chapter. Penalties are always cruel, but our future remains bright.”
Morocco will now face Madagascar in Saturday’s final at Nairobi’s Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, while Senegal head to Dar es Salaam for Friday’s third-place playoff against Sudan.
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Madagascar have reached their first-ever African Nations Championship (CHAN) final after edging Sudan 1-0 in a dramatic semi-final clash at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday evening.
Substitute Toky Rakotondraibe was the hero for the Barea, striking the decisive goal in the 116th minute to seal a famous victory and book a place in Saturday’s final in Nairobi, where they will face the winner of Morocco’s clash with Senegal.
Both teams entered the contest chasing a maiden CHAN final appearance, and the opening half reflected the stakes. Sudanese forwards Mohamed Tia Asad and Mazin Al Bahli tested Malagasy goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa early, while Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa and Fenohasina Razafimaro provided Madagascar’s attacking spark. Despite half-chances at either end, the first half ended goalless.
Sudan pushed harder after the break, with Walieldin Khdir squandering a clear header on 53 minutes and Mubark Abdalla seeing a late effort blocked. Madagascar nearly stole it in regulation time through Bono Rabearivelo, but his strike flew just wide, sending the match into extra-time.
The game opened up in the additional 30 minutes, with both goalkeepers called into action. Ramandimbisoa pulled off fine stops to deny Mohamed Ahmed Saeed and Musa Hussien, while Mohamed Abooja frustrated Madagascar with saves from Randriamanampisoa and Rafanomezantsoa.
The deadlock was finally broken four minutes from the end. Rafanomezantsoa’s clever run and pass released Rakotondraibe, who calmly slotted past Abooja to send Malagasy fans into wild celebrations. Sudan launched a late siege but could not find a reply, extending their wait for a first CHAN final after semi-final exits in 2011 and 2018.
The result marks another milestone in Madagascar’s rapid rise, having claimed bronze on their tournament debut in 2022. “Our strength lies in unity,” coach Romuald Rakotondrabe said afterwards. “The players kept believing until the end, and this victory belongs to them and to Madagascar.”
Madagascar now head to Nairobi’s Moi Sports Centre Kasarani for Saturday’s final, while Sudan will remain in Dar es Salaam to contest the third-place playoff on Friday.
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The African Nations Championship (CHAN) will witness a historic encounter on Tuesday as Morocco and Senegal go head-to-head for the first time in the tournament’s history, with a place in the final at stake in Kampala.
The clash pits together the winners of the last three editions—Morocco, champions in 2018 and 2020, and defending champions Senegal—making it a true battle of giants.
Morocco’s Consistency
The Atlas Lions arrive in Kampala with an imposing record, having won four straight matches, including a hard-fought 1-0 quarterfinal victory over Tanzania.
Should they win again, it would be the third time Morocco has recorded five wins in a single CHAN edition, after achieving the feat in 2018 and 2020.
Morocco’s dominance in knockout stages is evident: they have won seven of their eight matches, with their only defeat coming against Nigeria in 2014. They have never been taken to penalties and only once required extra time—against Libya in the 2018 semifinal.
Striker Oussama Lamloui has been the standout, netting four goals in his last three outings. Another strike would place him alongside CHAN greats Ayoub El Kaabi and Soufiane Rahimi as one of only three Moroccans to hit five goals at a single edition. Midfielders Youssef Mehri and Youssef Belammari have been equally influential, combining for five assists.
Overall, Morocco boast nine goals scored, three conceded, and two clean sheets in the tournament. They are also the most potent attacking side among the semifinalists, registering 29 shots on target.
Senegal’s Defensive Steel
Senegal, meanwhile, have built their title defence on grit and organisation. The Teranga Lions edged co-hosts Uganda 1-0 in the quarterfinals to reach their third CHAN semifinal (2009, 2022, 2024). Despite scoring just three goals in four matches—all in the second half and by different scorers—the defending champions have conceded only once.
Their record in knockout stages is equally impressive. Senegal have never lost a semifinal in open play, drawing both previous appearances before deciding them on penalties. They are unbeaten in their last eight CHAN matches and have kept four consecutive clean sheets in knockout football.
Goalkeeper Marc Diouf has been a pillar of stability, producing five saves against Uganda in his best display of the tournament so far. Midfielder Oumar Ba, who scored the decisive goal in the last round, has also emerged as a key performer.
A Clash of Styles
Statistically, Tuesday’s semifinal sets up as a clash of Morocco’s firepower against Senegal’s defensive resilience. Morocco are prolific against West African opposition, having scored 17 goals and conceded just seven across eight previous CHAN encounters. Senegal, on the other hand, have yet to score from open play against North African opposition but hold the mental edge of being defending champions.
With both sides chasing history—Morocco seeking a third final appearance and Senegal aiming to become only the second defending champions to return to the final—Kampala will host a semi-final loaded with pedigree, history, and high stakes.
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