Each Harambee Stars player and official will receive Ksh500,000 from President William Ruto following their 1-1 draw against Angola in a thrilling CHAN 2024 match at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
This follows Ruto’s promise of Ksh1 million to each player and official for every match won and Ksh500,000 for a draw.
In a message to the team on Thursday, August 7, 2025, Ruto praised the team’s resilience, calling it a true display of the Kenyan spirit.
“What a valiant display of skill and endurance by our gallant Harambee Stars! Reduced to 10 men early in the game, you stood tall, fought hard, and covered every blade of grass on the pitch to hold Angola to a commanding draw. What you displayed this evening was not just football; it is the Kenyan spirit on show for Africa and the world. Courage. Grit. Patriotism,” Ruto stated.
The president further announced tiered bonuses, with the team promised Ksh60 million if they qualify for the quarter-finals, Ksh70 million for reaching the semi-finals, and an eye-catching Ksh600 million should they lift the CHAN 2024 title.
Harambee Stars fight
Harambee Stars put on a show of pure resilience and discipline on Thursday night, battling to a 1-1 draw against Angola in a fiery Group A clash.
Kenya had to play more than 70 minutes with ten men after midfielder Marvin Nabwire was sent off following a VAR review. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Harambee Stars held firm, frustrating a determined Angolan side and keeping their hopes of a quarter-final berth alive.
The match got off to a frantic start. Angola broke the deadlock just seven minutes in through forward Jó Paciência, who finished off a well-worked attacking move that briefly silenced the home crowd.
In the 12th minute, Austin Odhiambo was brought down in the box, and after a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot. Odhiambo stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to level the score.
Drama unfolded minutes later when Nabwire, initially shown a yellow card for a foul, saw red after another VAR check upgraded the offense. Reduced to ten men, Kenyans were forced into a more defensive posture, with coach Benni McCarthy adjusting his tactics to preserve the draw.
Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi delivered a standout performance, making several critical saves to keep Kenya in the game. Angola pressed relentlessly, with Aguinaldo Matias and Jó Paciência both coming close, but Omondi stood tall.
Late in stoppage time, Angola thought they had snatched a winner when Kaporal pounced. However, the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR intervention, much to the relief of Kenyan fans.
Speaking after the match, McCarthy hailed his players’ mental toughness and commitment.
“It was the toughest match I have been involved in,” said the Harambee Stars coach. “When you go 70 minutes with 10 men, it’s hard. You have to coach your players to stay in the game.”
The result sees Kenya move to the top of Group A with four points from two matches, edging past Morocco and DR Congo on goal difference. Angola remain in a precarious position with just one point and must now win their final group match to have any hope of progressing.
For Kenya, a draw against Morocco in their final group fixture could be enough to secure a historic place in the CHAN quarter-finals — an extraordinary achievement for a team making its debut in the tournament.
Read: PS Omollo: Fan Discipline During CHAN 2024 Key to Kenya’s AFCON 2027 Dream
>>> CHAN 2024: Confident Harambee Stars Eye Second Win Against Angola
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