William Ruto Sends Heartwarming Message to Harambee Stars after CHAN Exit: "Badge of Greatness"
- President William Ruto praised Harambee Stars for their brave CHAN 2024 run, calling their penalty shoot-out loss to Madagascar a badge of greatness
- He said the players silenced critics, lifted national pride, and proved Kenya’s ability to compete with courage and determination
- Ruto urged Kenyans to keep filling Kasarani with support, reminding them that the country remains a proud co-host of the historic Pamoja CHAN
- He encouraged the team to carry lessons from the campaign into preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
President William Ruto has hailed Harambee Stars for their spirited run at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Source: Twitter
He described their performance as a badge of greatness, despite bowing out of the tournament in heartbreaking fashion.
On Friday, August 22, Kenya’s dream ended at the Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani, after a dramatic penalty shoot-out loss to Madagascar in the quarter-finals.
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The match had ended 1–1 after extra time before Madagascar triumphed 4–3 on penalties.
How did Ruto console Harambee Stars?
In a statement, Ruto praised the players for silencing doubters and uniting the country with courage and determination.
He said the team gave Kenyans pride and joy, proving that when the national side competes with confidence and grit, nothing is impossible.
"We had a remarkable run. Harambee Stars have silenced doubters, lifted the spirit of a nation, and reminded us that when Kenyans play with courage, confidence, and determination, nothing is impossible. Yes, we bowed out at the quarter-finals — but we fought valiantly to the very end," Ruto observed.
The president acknowledged the pain of the exit but stressed that taking the match to penalties against an experienced Madagascar side was an achievement in itself.
"To lose in the lottery of penalties is no dishonour; to push the contest to such a finish is itself a badge of greatness," his statement read.
What is Ruto's message to Kenyans?
President Ruto urged Kenyans to keep supporting the tournament and fill the Kasarani stands with cheer until the final whistle of the competition.
"Though we exit the tournament, we remain the proud co-hosts of the historic Pamoja CHAN. Let us continue to fill Kasarani with cheer, energy, pride, and love for the game — all the way to the final whistle," the head of state urged.
He also called on Harambee Stars to carry the lessons of this campaign forward as the country prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027, which Kenya will co-host.
"For our boys, the journey does not end here. Let us carry the lessons of this campaign into the road ahead, as we prepare for an even more spectacular Africa Cup of Nations in 2027. Kenya shall rise. Kenya shall triumph," he said, noting that the experience would serve as a stepping stone for greater achievements.
Despite the heartbreak, Kenya’s campaign remains historic being their first time hosting the CHAN under the Pamoja initiative alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
Source: Twitter
Harambee Stars advanced to the last eight unbeaten, topping a group that included former champions Morocco and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
How did Harambee Stars lose in CHAN?
The clash itself was a rollercoaster of emotions for Kenyan fans both at home and in the magnificent Kasarani.
After a cagey first half that ended goalless, centre-back Alphonce Omija broke the deadlock in the 48th minute with a powerful header from Boniface Muchiri’s cross, sparking celebrations across Kasarani.
Just three minutes later, Kenya appeared to have doubled their lead through Ryan Ogam, only for VAR to rule the goal out for an offside infringement.
That setback shifted the momentum and in the 66th minute, Madagascar capitalised after a handball by Lewis Bandi inside the box.
Fenohasina Razafimaro calmly converted from the spot to level the scores, forcing the game into extra time and eventually penalties.
The shoot-out became a test of nerve as Siraj Mohammed, Daniel Sakari and Sylvester Owino scored for Kenya, but the pressure weighed heavily on others.
Omija, the opening goal scorer, missed his spot kick, while Mike Kibwage’s effort was saved by Malagasy goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
