AFCON Windfall: Kenya to bag over Sh450 million if they win tourney

President Uhuru Kenyatta with the Harambee Stars football team at State House, Nairobi. [Courtesy]

Kenyan football team Harambee Stars will earn a whopping $4.5 million (Sh459 million) if they win the upcoming 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo, Egypt.

According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), a total of Sh1.4 billion will be shared between the best teams.

If a country is knocked out from the quarter-final stage, it will cash in $800,000 (Sh82million).

Semi-finalists who contest the third-place play-off will share $4m, with each getting $2m (Sh204 million).

The winners will pocket $4.5m (Sh459 million) while the runners-up will take home $2.5m (Sh255 million).

The tournament kicks off tomorrow Friday, June 21, with hosts Egypt taking on Zimbabwe at the Cairo International Stadium at 11 pm. 

Kenya have been pooled alongside neighbours Tanzania, Algeria and 2002 runners-up Senegal.

Harambee Stars coach Sébastien Migné has exuded confidence that the team will do well and asked Kenyans to support the boys.

Migné’s men have so far had a brilliant pre-Afcon campaign after edging Madagascar 1-0 in a friendly match in France followed by a draw 1-1 against DR Congo in a tie staged in Madrid, Spain.

Stars begin their campaign on Sunday as they clash with the Desert Warriors (Algeria) - a match they need to win to increase their chances of qualifying to the last 12.

‘Engineer’ Michael Olunga, who plays for Kashiwa Reysol in the Japanese League will lead the line for Kenya as China-based Ayub Timbe looking to provide some attacking dynamism.

The four-week long event (AFCON) in Egypt will run from June 21st- July 19.

Harambee Stars Michael Olunga with one of the team's most passionate supporters - Juma. [JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Harambee Stars Squad:

Goalkeepers

Patrick Matasi, John Oyemba, Faruk Shikalo

Defenders

Philemon Otieno, Abud Omar, Bernard Ochieng, Musa Mohammed, Joash Onyango, Joseph Okumu, David Owino, Eric Ouma

Midfielders

Victor Wanyama, Dennis Odhiambo, Erick Johanna, Ayub Timbe, Francis Kahata, Ismael Gonzalez, Ovella Ochieng, Paul Were, Johanna Omollo

Forwards

Masud Juma, Michael Olunga, John Avire