Harambee Stars Sh500,000 richer after CHAN draw with Angola

 

Harambee Stars players. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Harambee Stars players will each bag Sh500,000 following their impressive 1–1 draw with Angola on Thursday evening in their second Group A match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Kasarani Stadium.

The payout fulfils President William Ruto’s pledge of Sh500,000 for every draw, part of a sweeping incentive package aimed at boosting morale for the tournament.

Angola struck first in the seventh minute, but Kenya responded with a penalty from Austin Odhiambo in the 12th minute to level the score.

The match took a dramatic turn when defender Marvin Omondi was shown a straight red card in the 21st minute, leaving the hosts a man down.

Despite the disadvantage, Harambee Stars defended resolutely against the Palancas Negras to earn their draw.

State House confirmed that the Ministry of Sports has already disbursed the reward for Kenya’s opening win over DR Congo, and the draw triggered the next payout.

“The Sports Ministry disbursed the funds, and a similar reward awaits the team after Thursday’s game against Angola,” said State House spokesman Hussein Mohamed.

President Ruto, writing on X, praised the team’s spirit, saying: “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. You have made us proud. Hongera vijana! Na niko na deni yenu vile tulikubaliana!”

Ruto unveiled the incentive package during a breakfast meeting before Kenya’s CHAN opener, where he also promised Sh1 million per win; Sh60 million for reaching the quarterfinals; Sh70 million for the semifinals; and a record Sh600 million if Kenya lifts the title.

The President was joined at Kasarani by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohamed, Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, and Local Organising Committee Chairman Nicholas Musonye.

The Football Kenya Federation praised the package as one of the most generous in Kenya’s football history, marking a new era of government support for national teams.