CHAN 2024: Why Victor Wanyama wants Kenyans to support Morocco in the final
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 28.08.25. | 07:46
His support stems from a place of disappointment, as he believes Madagascar should not have eliminated Kenya
Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has asked Kenyans to support Morocco in the CHAN final against Madagascar, set for Saturday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The two teams reached the final after scintillating semifinals played in Tanzania and Uganda on Tuesday evening.
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Madagascar was the first to qualify, beating Sudan 1-0 in Tanzania despite playing over 40 minutes a man down after a red card.
The Islanders had earlier eliminated Kenya in the quarterfinals via penalties.
Morocco also had to overcome a tough challenge to beat Senegal.
After a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time, the match was decided on penalties, where the North Africans prevailed 5-3 to stay on course for a third CHAN title.
Morocco had previously defeated Tanzania in the quarterfinals to set up a date with the outgoing champions.
Ahead of the final, Wanyama, one of the tournament’s ambassadors, announced that he would rally behind Morocco.
His support stems from a place of disappointment, as he believes Madagascar should not have eliminated Kenya if the officiating had been accurate.
A Ryan Ogam goal that would have put Kenya 2-0 up was disallowed with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) failing to intervene.
Madagascar went on to equalize and eventually won on penalties.
“I would want Kenyans to support Morocco in the final because we were denied a clean goal against Madagascar, and I am still hurt,” Wanyama said with a laugh during an interview with Citizen TV. “When I see Madagascar in the final, I keep thinking this should have been us if our goal had stood. It is part of football, but for me, I will be supporting Morocco in the final.”
Despite Kenya not featuring in the final, he urged fans to attend the closing of the competition, which has been co-hosted by Uganda and Tanzania.
“Such things happen in football; fans get hurt with losses. I urge them not to lose hope. Even though our team did not qualify, they should still turn up at the stadium, cheer the teams in the final, and help make it a memorable occasion.”
On Friday, the third-place playoff will be held in Uganda between Senegal and Sudan, paving the way for the final on Saturday.
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