Kenya, Aug. 23 -- Hundreds of Kenyans gathered at the Kenya National Archives in Nairobi to celebrate Morocco's thrilling 2-1 victory over Tanzania in the CHAN 2024 quarter-finals, amplifying the spirited Kenya-Tanzania football rivalry.
The jubilant scenes erupted after the Atlas Lions secured their win at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, with Kenyans chanting in support of Morocco, fueled by playful banter and regional competition.
The celebration at Kenya National Archives, a historic landmark and popular meeting point, highlighted the deep-seated football passion and cross-border rivalry that has gripped East Africa during the African Nations Championship.
The match, played on August 22, 2025, saw Morocco take an early lead with a 29th-minute goal by Imad Riahi, followed by an own goal from Tanzania's Quinito in the 81st minute.
Tanzania's Taifa Stars responded with a late goal, but it wasn't enough to overturn the deficit. The victory sparked celebrations across Nairobi, with the Kenya National Archives becoming a focal point for fans who couldn't travel to Dar es Salaam.
Netizens captured the mood noting the vibrant scenes at the Archives, where fans waved Moroccan flags and chanted in solidarity with the Atlas Lions.
The Kenya-Tanzania football rivalry has been a talking point throughout CHAN 2024, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Earlier reports of Kenyans purchasing tickets for the Tanzania-Morocco match to limit Tanzanian fan presence added fuel to the banter.
Tanzania's government dismissed these claims as false, with spokesperson Gerson Musigwa assuring fans that ample seats were available at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
However, Kenyan Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen playfully encouraged fans to support Morocco, stating during a Nairobi event, "I congratulate all Kenyans who have bought Tanzanian tickets. Let's cheer Morocco at Benjamin Mkapa!"
The Kenya National Archives, a cultural hub housing historical records and a popular gathering spot, provided a fitting backdrop for the celebrations. Fans danced and sang late into the night, with some displaying banners mocking Tanzania's loss.
The event was peaceful, with police ensuring order around the Archives and nearby Nairobi CBD areas. The celebrations underscored the growing football fever in Kenya, especially after Harambee Stars' own campaign, which ended in a penalty loss to Madagascar on the same day.
Morocco's win has set up a semi-final clash with either Uganda or Senegal, while Kenya now looks ahead to co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Kenya-Tanzania football rivalry, however, remains a central narrative. Tanzanian fans had hoped to face Kenya in the quarter-finals, with their coach Hersi Said calling Group A a "group of death" for Kenya.
Instead, Morocco's victory over Tanzania became a moment of triumph for Kenyan fans, who reveled in the outcome at the Kenya National Archives.
The celebrations at Kenya National Archives also highlighted the role of social media in amplifying regional rivalries. Social media posts showed Kenyans taunting their neighbors, joking, "Morocco taught Tanzania a lesson!"
The playful exchanges reflect a deeper cultural connection through football, even as fans trade jabs.
Kenya's support for Morocco was less about the Atlas Lions and more about the joy of outshining their rivals. As the dust settles on CHAN 2024, the Kenya National Archives will remain a symbol of this historic moment.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.