CHAN 2024: Gachagua Lauds Harambee Stars for Beating Zambia, Terms Their Performance Masterful
- Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua celebrated Harambee Stars' win against Zambia, famously known as Chipolopolo
- The former second in command, who is currently in the US, described what the historic win means for the country
- Harambee Stars staged another powerful performance at Kasarani in the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN)
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has joined Kenyans in congratulating Harambee Stars' performance in the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Source: Getty Images
On Sunday, August 17, Harambee Stars faced Zambia, popularly known as Chipolopolo, in a crucial CHAN game at the Moi Sports Center, Kasarani.
How did Harambee Stars play against Zambia?
Kenya once again showed resilience after defeating Chipolopolo to seal their space in the quarterfinals.
Kenya dominated possession but was unable to break down a stubborn Zambian side. However, Ryan Ogam's late second-half goal gave Benni McCarthy’s side a much-needed win.
Zambia, already eliminated from the tournament, was aiming to spoil Kenya's party, while Harambee Stars sought to top Group A.
Celebrations erupted in several towns as Kenyans praised the team for another wonderful performance.
Several politicians, including President William Ruto, commended the players for the win, which guarantees that Kenya will play its next match at Kasarani.
What Gachagua said about Harambee Stars' win
Taking on X (formerly Twitter), Gachagua lauded Harambee Stars players, saying they had displayed a masterful performance.
According to the former DP, the players showed true Kenyan spirit, and the win fills every Kenyan with pride.
"Super win for the Harambee Stars today! Your victory fills every Kenyan with pride as you showcase the true Kenyan spirit and resilience. Congratulations on a masterful performance and a bold entry into the quarter-finals. You've made us all proud! Always Harambee Stars!" Gachagua said.
In his message, Ruto lauded Harambee Stars for proving their critics wrong after advancing to the quarterfinals.
According to the president, the win is a clear indicator that Kenya is an ambitious country and destined for greatness.
"At the beginning of the CHAN tournament, no one gave our Harambee Stars a chance of going past the group stages. After all, we were in the so-called “Group of Death.” Yet, our boys have triumphed.
"By overcoming football giants of the continent, our boys have shown the world what it truly means to believe in ourselves. They have proven that Kenya is an ambitious nation, destined for greatness, if only we embrace faith, courage, focus, and hard work," Ruto said.
Source: Getty Images
How Kenya beat Zambia in CHAN 2024
As reported earlier, Kenya, under coach Benni McCarthy, dominated possession for large parts of the match but found Zambia stubborn and resilient.
Austine Odhiambo and Masoud Juma both went close, while a penalty shout late in the first half was waved away by referee Lamin Jammeh.
The breakthrough came in the 75th minute when Boniface Muchiri slipped a clever pass to Ogam, who kept his composure to slot past goalkeeper Charles Kalumba.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
