Raila’s short message to Harambee Stars after 2-0 loss to Algeria in AFCON

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga when he visited Kenya national team Harambee Stars at their Tiba Rose Plaza in Cairo, Egypt on June 20, 2019]

The African Union Commission High Representative for Infrastructure Development Raila Odinga on Monday, June 24 took to social media to console Harambee Stars following a 2-0 loss to Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Harambee Stars saw their 15-year wait to participate in the AFCON begin in upsetting form thanks to Algeria attacking duo Baghdad Bounedjah AND Riyad Mahrez, who put the Desert Foxes two goals up by the break.

Kenya looked to pounce of Algeria’s recklessness in the second half, with substitute Johanna Omollo almost handing Harambee Stars a consolation late in the game.  

Kenya lost 2-0 to Algeria [Courtesy]

With three minutes of added time, Las Palmas midfielder Ismael Gonzalez came in to replace Odhiambo but could not help Kenya conjure up the creativity to score a goal.

The win left Algeria on top of Group C with 3 points, level on points with Senegal who beat Tanzania 2-0 in an earlier fixture.

Raila, on his social media, acknowledged Stars’ efforts and applauded their style of play, reminding them they have the supports more than 50 million people.

“After a 15-year absence from the tournament you played your hearts out but didn't get a favorable result. Keep your heads up and keep going, kuteleza sio kuanguka. The whole nation is still rooting for you #HarambeeStars all the best in the rest of your #AFCON2019 fixtures,” Raila tweeted.

Raila's tweet [Courtesy]

On Thursday, June 20, Raila paid a visit to the team at their hotel in Egypt, wished them luck and even posed for photos with some of the players.

The Lions of Teranga will face the Desert Foxes in the group’s next encounter as Harambee Stars take on East African neighbours Tanzania in three days.