Ruto hails Harambee Stars after stunning Group A triumph

Michael Kibwage (Right) of Kenya Harambee Stars and Happy Nsiku of Zambia Chipolopolo in action during their Chan 2024 CHAN Tournament match at Kasarani Stadium on August 17, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

President William Ruto has praised Kenya's Harambee Stars for their historic run to the quarter-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after topping Group A with a 1-0 win over Zambia on Sunday at Kasarani Stadium.

In a celebratory statement shortly after the match, the President lauded the team's resilience and ability to defy the odds.

"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," Ruto said.

He commended the Stars for defeating continental giants Morocco and DR Congo on their way to finishing the group unbeaten with 10 points-one clear of Morocco.

"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," the President added.

The Head of State congratulated the players for uniting the country in celebration:

"Congratulations, Harambee Stars! You have done the nation proud, inspired immense joy, and united our country. Now, march forward and conquer the continent. Do not settle for less-just as we, as a nation, must never settle for anything less than glory."

Kenya sealed the win through Ryan Ogam's second-half strike, which also condemned Zambia to an early exit with zero points.

The Stars will now face Madagascar in Nairobi on Friday in the quarter-finals, while Morocco meet Tanzania in the other last-eight tie.

Meanwhile, President Ruto vowed to fulfil his Sh2.5 million per player pledge to the team, declaring:

"As for me - nitacheza kama mimi. After all, dawa ya deni ni kulipa."