For Muchiri, fans are the force behind Kenya's top form

Former Tusker FC forward Boniface Muchiri is not a stranger to competitive football, but he's accustomed to playing in front of just a few fans.

In the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League, most matches he's played in barely draw more than 5,000 people.

This changes on the rare occasions he plays against crowd magnets AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia.

One could argue that only the perennial Kenyan league champions K'Ogalo and their fierce rivals Ingwe could pull crowds of more than 10,000 to a single football match on a regular day.

But on Sunday, the Kenya Defence Force man was somewhat lost for words when he saw 48,000 fans turn up to watch as Harambee Stars took on Morocco.

The African Nations Championship (Chan) has lived up to its billing. It was the first time the renovated stadium had been filled to capacity since the tournament began, and with it came the overwhelming energy, colour and noise.

Fans have adapted to the restrictions and access procedures, and even though games begin with a few sections still empty, by halftime, everyone with a valid ticket has taken their seat.

10-man Kenya defied the odds and came out with a hard-fought win over favourites Morocco to maintain the lead in Group A.

Tusker FC forward Ryan Wesley Ogam capitalised on a 50/50 ball in the penalty area, releasing a low left-foot shot to beat goalkeeper Mehdi Harrar just before halftime.

Muchiri, who made his first start in the competition, could not believe the support the national team had for the entire match.

Morocco had possession of the ball for most of the time (75 per cent), and Muchiri lauded fans' turnout, believing it played a part in taking the team through the game.

"Fans have played a big part in this game. I thank them. It's my first time playing in such a crowd. If that's the feeling AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia players feel, they deserve to win titles," he said.

The Ulinzi Stars captain made his Chan 2024 debut off the bench in the first game against DR Congo, replacing an injured Masoud Juma. Against Angola, he had to be sacrificed by head coach Benni McCarthy after Marvin Nabwire's red card.

But against the Atlas Lions, Muchiri seized his moment. Sharp, composed and stringing passes in midfield, the 28-year-old was only taken off in the 64th minute and replaced by Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija, as McCarthy looked to seal his defence after a long period of intense pressure by Tarik Sektioui's men.