For Kenyan football enthusiasts, the African Nations Championships (CHAN) 2024 has been more than just a tournament. It’s showcasing a new chapter in football culture. The Harambee Stars, undefeated and now in the quarterfinals, are living out a dream shared by millions of fans across the country. And behind every goal, every tackle, and every win, is the roaring heartbeat of passionate fans, the “12th Man”.
When CHAN 2024 kicked off, few imagined the overwhelming fan response. Kenyans have shown up in numbers, selling out every group-stage game.
Stadium gates have been pushed to their limits, not by chaos—but by passion. The energy inside the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani, has been electric as fans show up with painted faces, vuvuzelas, waving flags, and anthems echoing louder than ever before.
To accommodate the ever-growing demand, the government set up fan zones—Harambee Stars villages—across Nairobi. Equipped with giant screens, DJs, MCs, and even appearances by local football legends, these spaces have become the next-best place to be if you can’t make it to the stadium.
The fanzones have been designed as family-friendly zones, creating a safe, inclusive environment where women, children, and the elderly can cheer without fear or discomfort.
11 Harambee Stars players & the 12th man
This nationwide unity isn’t just about supporting the team; it’s about protecting the integrity of the game itself. Over the past few weeks, fans have embraced a new standard—showing passion without chaos, pride without violence, and energy without disruption.
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From grinding it out on dusty pitches to earning their spot on the continental stage, the players have delivered. With three wins and one draw, they topped Group A and now find themselves on the brink of history. Already, they’ve secured Ksh5.5 million in prize money from President William Ruto.
If they advance to the semi-finals, each player is set to receive Ksh1 million and a two-bedroom affordable housing unit—promised by the President. These aren’t just matches anymore—they’re life-changing moments.
As the Harambee Stars prepare for their biggest test yet against Madagascar, organizers have maintained their plea for loyal support, urging fans to keep showing up and protect the game.
Kenya Vs Madagascar: Quarter-final match preview
Kenya’s fairy-tale run in their debut CHAN tournament enters a crucial phase this Friday, August 22, as they face a dangerous Madagascar side in the quarterfinals at Kasarani.
Under coach Benni McCarthy, the Harambee Stars have been sharp and consistent, winning three of their four group-stage matches and drawing once to top Group A.
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Their 1–0 victory over Zambia, courtesy of a well-worked second-half goal by striker Ryan Ogam, was a testament to their tactical growth and mental resilience.
But Madagascar’s Barea are not to be underestimated. Ranked 115th, just six places below Kenya (109) by FIFA, the Malagasy side has shown grit and flair throughout the tournament.
After a shaky start, they stormed back to clinch second place in Group B with back-to-back wins—including a thrilling 2–1 victory over Burkina Faso.
Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe, who led them to a bronze medal finish in CHAN 2022, has instilled discipline and daring in his squad.
Kenya and Madagascar have met once before — an international friendly on June 7, 2019, where Kenya triumphed 1–0 courtesy of a 64th-minute penalty by former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama.
Friday’s showdown offers Stars the chance to build on that record — or risk surrendering the edge. McCarthy’s Harambee Stars will need to remain disciplined and focused, especially in midfield battles and defensive transitions.
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