Play home or away? Harambee Stars' quarterfinal fate rests on Sunday's crucial match against Zambia

Play home or away? Harambee Stars' quarterfinal fate rests on Sunday's crucial match against Zambia

On Sunday, Harambee Stars will face Zambia, knowing that a win will see them finish as Group A winners and set up a quarterfinal tie at Kasarani, most likely against Mauritania.

Harambee Stars have reached the CHAN quarterfinals for the first time, thriving on the head-to-head rule after victories over DR Congo and Morocco.

They opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over DR Congo before edging Morocco by the same scoreline in their third group match. These results have put them at the top of Group A with 7 points with one game to spare.

On Sunday, Harambee Stars will face Zambia, knowing that a win will see them finish as Group A winners and set up a quarterfinal tie at Kasarani, most likely against Mauritania.

However, if they finish second in the group, they will travel to Dar es Salaam to face Group B leaders Tanzania.

In CHAN’s group stage format, if two teams finish level on points, the first tiebreaker is the result of the head-to-head match between them. If still tied, goal difference across all group matches is considered, followed by the total number of goals scored.

Should teams remain level after these criteria, Fair Play conduct comes into play, with points allocated for cards received, 1 point for a yellow card, 3 points for an indirect red card (two yellows in one match), 4 points for a direct red card and 5 points for a yellow card followed by a direct red

If all else fails, the Organising Committee will conduct a drawing of lots to break the tie.

For Harambee Stars, the equation is simple: win on Sunday and enjoy home advantage in the quarters; lose, and it’s a trip to Tanzania.

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