Kenya’s Harambee Stars were knocked out of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, but the team is set to walk away with millions in prize money after reaching the quarterfinals in what was their debut appearance at the tournament.
The Stars exited the tournament on Friday, August 22, after losing 3-4 to Madagascar on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani.
Despite the heartbreaking finish, the quarterfinal achievement guarantees Kenya a sizable cash reward as one of the four losing quarterfinalists.
The team is set to earn a total of $450,000 (approximately Ksh58.14 million) in prize money for reaching the quarterfinals, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) CHAN 2024 prize money breakdown.
CAF had confirmed that this year’s edition saw a 75% increase in the winner’s prize money, with the total prize pool expanding by 32% to reach $10.4 million (approximately Ksh1.34 billion).
In addition to the financial incentives, the tournament featured the unveiling of a brand-new trophy and was uniquely hosted by the three East African nations under the banner of CHAN PAMOJA 2024.
CHAN 2024 prize money breakdown
According to CAF, the winner of the tournament will receive $3.5 million (approximately Ksh452 million). This marks a significant increase from previous editions, reflecting the growing stature of the tournament.
The team finishing as runners-up will take home $1.2 million (about Ksh155 million), while the third-place finisher will earn $700,000 (around Ksh90.4 million). The fourth-place team will receive $600,000 (about Ksh77.5 million).
Each of the four losing quarterfinalists, including Kenya and Tanzania, will be awarded approximately Ksh58.14 million. Teams that finish third in the group stage will earn about Ksh50 million, while those that end in fourth place in their respective groups will receive about Ksh33.3 million.
Also Read: The 12th man: How Fans Helped Harambee Stars Players Bag First Millions
In addition to the CAF prize money, the Harambee Stars have already bagged significant rewards during their campaign. Following victories in the group stage and qualification for the quarterfinals, President William Ruto has, in total, awarded each player and member of the technical bench Ksh5 million in bonuses.
Further, the Head of State pledged a two-bedroom affordable housing unit for each player and technical staff member following their qualification to the quarterfinals after the win against Zambia.
The attention now shifts to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), which will determine how the CAF prize money will be allocated. It remains unclear whether the amount will be shared among players and staff or if it will be retained by the federation for other purposes.
In what turned out to be a tense and emotionally charged quarter-final clash, Harambee Stars’ historic CHAN 2024 run came to an end with the narrow loss to Madagascar.
Harambee Stars eliminated
This was Kenya’s debut appearance in the tournament, and after topping Group A, the team entered the knockout stage with high hopes and strong home support.
The first half saw few clear-cut chances, as both sides looked cautious and struggled to find a breakthrough. Kenya’s Ben Stanley Omondi and Madagascar’s Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa both attempted long-range efforts, but neither managed to trouble the opposing goalkeeper. The game remained goalless at halftime, with much of the action confined to midfield battles and half-chances.
The second half sparked into life almost immediately. Just three minutes in, Boniface Muchiri delivered a superb overhead free kick from outside the box, which was met by Alphonse Omija with a perfectly timed header that gave Kenya the lead and sent the home crowd into wild celebration.
Moments later, Ryan Ogam thought he had added a second goal for Kenya, but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened, ruling that there was a push in the build-up, and the goal was disallowed.
Madagascar, undeterred, continued to press forward and were rewarded in the 70th minute. A handball by Lewis Bandi in the penalty area gave the Barea a chance from the spot, which Fenihasima Gilles Razafimaro calmly converted to level the score at 1–1.
In an effort to regain control, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy made several substitutions, including handing a debut to teenage talent Austin “Musa” Odongo, alongside Edward Omondi. Later changes saw Siraj Mohammed and Massoud Juma come on to strengthen the attack.
Despite a spirited push in extra time, Kenya could not find the winning goal. The match remained tied after 120 minutes, leading to a penalty shootout in which Madagascar held their composure, converting four out of five penalties, while Kenya missed two crucial kicks by Alphonse Omija and Michael Kibwage, ending their dream run in heartbreaking fashion.
Also Read: Kenya Eliminated from CHAN 2024
The Barea, who finished third in the 2022 edition held in Algeria, now advance to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of Algeria vs Sudan.
Coach Benni McCarthy’s reaction
After the match, coach Benni McCarthy praised his team’s effort and acknowledged Madagascar’s quality.
“It was a tough game, and going out on penalties is heartbreaking. Credit to Madagascar for their composure; they deserved their passage to the semifinals. Moving forward, we will keep the national team stronger and avoid such heartbreak in the future,” he said.
“I am nothing but proud of the players. They gave me everything. I can’t complain about anything. We expected a tough game, but we didn’t expect their movement off the ball to be very good. First, I want to congratulate Madagascar for proceeding to the semis. If you come to Kenya and perform at such a stage and perform at the level they did, it was incredible.”
Attention now shifts to the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Kenya is set to face Seychelles and Gambia in September — both matches expected to be held at the MISC Kasarani Stadium.
Note: $1=Ksh129.20
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