The Harambee Stars’ remarkable debut run at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) came to a heartbreaking end on Friday, as they were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Madagascar after a dramatic penalty shootout.

Despite the 1-1 draw in both regular and extra time, the team fell 4-3 on penalties, bringing their spirited campaign to a close.

The team’s performance throughout the tournament has been hailed as one of the most resilient and promising in recent history for home-based Kenyan football.

Their journey began with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo, which set the tone for a strong group-stage performance.

They followed that up with a 1-1 draw against Angola before a stunning 1-0 win over two-time champions Morocco.

The Stars then sealed their spot at the top of the group by beating Zambia 1-0, finishing their four group matches unbeaten while conceding only a single goal.

Their quarter-final clash against Madagascar was a testament to their unwavering spirit, as they once again held their own for 120 minutes.

However, the penalty shootout proved to be a cruel end to a campaign that had captured the nation’s imagination.

Despite the exit, the Harambee Stars’ progress to the last eight is celebrated as a major step forward for Kenyan football, a sentiment that is also backed by a substantial financial windfall.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently announced a 75 percent increase in prize money for the tournament. By reaching the quarter-finals, Kenya is set to pocket KSh 58 million.

The prize money is a significant boost that many hope will be reinvested into strengthening the domestic league and nurturing grassroots talent.

While the semi-finalists are guaranteed at least KSh 77 million, and the champions will take home a staggering KSh 453 million, the KSh 58 million provides a strong foundation for the future.

The team’s performances, marked by discipline, resilience, and flashes of attacking brilliance, have renewed optimism for the future of Kenyan football.

With a solid foundation and a rising profile on the continental stage, the Harambee Stars are now well-positioned to build on their success as they look toward upcoming regional and global qualifiers.

ALSO READ: Madagascar shines on penalties shutters Kenya’s CHAN dream