CHAN 2024: Ryan Ogam Fuels Golden Boot Dreams Amid Allan Okello, Oussama Lamlioui Challenge
Harambee Stars striker Ryan Ogam believes his dream of becoming the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) top scorer is within reach.
The Tusker FC star has been on a roll so far in the tournament, scoring two goals for Harambee Stars, and he believes there is more to come in the next matches.
Ryan Ogam scored his first tournament goal in Harambee Stars' match against two-time CHAN champions Morocco, where Kenya won 1-0.
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He then continued his momentum in the match against Zambia, scoring the sole goal that propelled Harambee Stars to the top of the group table with 10 points.
Ryan Ogam: I’ve Started Scoring Goals
Following his dominant exploits in the group stages, Ryan Ogam remains confident about Harambee Stars’ chances in the quarterfinal, noting that he is eager to score more goals.
Harambee Stars face Madagascar, who finished second in their group, on Friday, August 22, in their quarterfinal match and after scoring in two matches, Ryan Ogam looks to continue the momentum and help his side through to the semifinal.
“I have built the momentum right now, and I’ve started scoring goals. It’s a good thing because, as a striker, when you start scoring goals like that, it helps you build on that. I’m looking forward to scoring more goals in our next match,” Ryan Ogam said after the match against Zambia.
CHAN 2024: Other Football Stars Targeting the Golden Boot
With the group stage of CHAN 2024 concluded, the battle for the tournament’s Golden Boot is heating up as the competition heads into the quarter-final phase across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Leading the scoring charts are South Africa’s Thabiso Kutumela, Uganda’s Allan Okello, and Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui, each with three goals to their name.
Thabiso Kutumela was central to South Africa’s campaign, scoring three crucial goals. His sharp movement and composure in front of the goal kept Bafana Bafana in contention until their final group match.
Despite South Africa's elimination, his impressive tally ensures he remains one of the tournament's standout performers.
For Uganda, Allan Okello has been the heartbeat of their attack. His three goals, including decisive finishes in Kampala, helped the Cranes top Group C for the first time in their CHAN history.
As Uganda prepares for a major quarter-final clash against Senegal, Okello’s form could be decisive in carrying the co-hosts deeper into the competition.
Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui has been equally impressive, finding the net three times during the group stage.
His goals have been fundamental to Morocco's progress to the quarter-finals as the Atlas Lions chase a third CHAN title. With a heavyweight clash against hosts Tanzania up next, Lamlioui will be key to Morocco’s ambitions.
Just behind the leading trio, several players are on two goals each, including Madagascar’s Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa, Morocco’s Mohamed Hrimat, Kenya’s Ryan Ogam and Austin Odhiambo, and Tanzania’s Clement Mzize.
With the knockout rounds promising even more drama, the Golden Boot race remains wide open. As stadiums in Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Kampala prepare for the quarter-finals, the tournament's top forwards will have another chance to etch their names into CHAN history.