NAIROBI, Kenya — Following Kenya’s impressive 1-0 victory over two-time champions Morocco in the African Nations Championship (CHAN), President William Ruto has congratulated the Harambee Stars, acknowledging their promise to deliver a win.
This crucial victory, secured in their third Group A match, has guaranteed Kenya a spot in the quarter-finals. The team will now look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their final group match against Zambia.
In a statement, President Ruto praised the team’s “resilient” performance.
“Once again, the resilient, indomitable Kenyan spirit has roared to life at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani! Harambee Stars stood tall, defying the odds to defeat one of the tournament’s giants – Morocco – even after being reduced to 10 men for much of the match,” he said.
The President added, “Kenya is rising. We are conquering arenas where no one thought we could stand, let alone triumph. This is Kenya. We believe. We fight. We rise.”
The lone goal of the match was scored by Ryan Ogam in the 42nd minute. The team, coached by Benni McCarthy, displayed remarkable resolve to defend their lead, especially after a first-half red card for Crispine Erambo, upgraded by VAR, left them with only ten men for the entire second half.
Also Read: Ten-man Kenya battles to heroic 1-1 draw against Angola at CHAN to go top of Group A
The victory follows a pre-match promise from President Ruto to reward the team financially for their efforts. He had previously stated that he would give each player KSh 1 million for every win and KSh 500,000 for a draw, and had already paid for previous games won.
“I told Harambee Stars that in every game they win, every player will walk away with Shs 1 million, if they draw, they get Shs 500,000, and I have paid them already for the games won earlier,” Ruto said.
He also made a plea to Kenyans for support, saying, “I ask all Kenyans to pray for our brothers, the Harambee Stars to win today’s match. They should do what they do best, Kenyans will also do the same and I will do what I do best for them to succeed. If they score a goal, you celebrate and I will pay.”
After the win, the President humorously reiterated his commitment to the financial promise, saying, “Congratulations to our boys – mumecheza kama nyinyi. Sasa nitacheza kama mimi!” (Congratulations to our boys—you’ve played like yourselves. Now I’ll play like myself!).
