- Harambee Stars topped Group A at CHAN despite being drawn in the “Group of Death.”
- Kenya beat Zambia 1-0 at Kasarani to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
- President Ruto praised the team as a symbol of resilience and promised millions in rewards.
- Each player and staff member has already pocketed KSh5 million in government bonuses.
- Kenya will face Madagascar in the quarter-finals on Friday at Kasarani.
Kenya’s Harambee Stars stunned the continent by advancing to the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Drawn against Morocco, DR Congo, and Zambia, the team was widely written off before the tournament began. Instead, they finished top of Group A with 10 points, sealing their place with a 1-0 win over Zambia in front of a packed Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
President William Ruto, who attended the match, led Kenyans in celebrating the milestone.
“They have not only advanced, they have inspired a nation,” Ruto said.
“They have filled our country with pride, joy, and unity. Now go forth and conquer the continent. Do not settle for less, just as we, as a nation, must never settle for anything less than glory.”
He reiterated his promise of hefty rewards and added:
“Nitacheza kama mimi. After all, dawa ya deni ni kulipa.”
Victory over Zambia earned each Harambee Stars player and technical staff member KSh2.5 million, pushing their tournament bonuses to KSh5 million so far.
The president confirmed more incentives would be given if the team continues to deliver on the big stage.
Kenya will now meet Madagascar in the quarter-finals at Kasarani on Friday. Morocco, who beat DR Congo 3-1 in the other decider, will face hosts Tanzania in Dar es Salaam.
With momentum on their side and the backing of the entire nation, Benni McCarthy’s charges are dreaming of going even further in this fairy-tale run.
