In a powerful display of appreciation for the Harambee Stars' fighting spirit, President William Ruto has announced that each member of the squad will receive a Ksh 500,000 bonus. The reward comes after the team's gritty 1-1 draw against Angola in the CHAN 2024 tournament, a match that showcased their immense resilience and determination in the face of adversity. This financial boost is a significant morale-booster for a team making its debut on the continental stage and is a clear signal of the government's commitment to fostering the growth of football in the country.
This generous reward is part of an incentive scheme that the president had unveiled ahead of the tournament, which promised the team Ksh 1 million for every victory and Ksh 500,000 for a draw. This is the second such reward the team has received, following a previous Ksh 1 million per player bonus after their opening 1-0 victory over DR Congo. These consistent financial incentives are setting a new precedent for government-backed support for the national team, a move that is expected to inspire and motivate players to perform at their best.
The match itself was a spectacle of drama and determination. Angola took an early lead through Joaquim Paciencia, but the Harambee Stars responded swiftly, with Austin Odhiambo converting a penalty to level the score. The game took a dramatic turn when Marvin Nabwire was shown a red card after a VAR review, leaving Kenya with a numerical disadvantage for over 70 minutes. Despite being a man down, the team, under the expert guidance of coach Benni McCarthy, exhibited a disciplined and resolute defensive display.
Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi made a series of crucial saves, and the backline held firm against relentless Angolan attacks. The drama reached its peak in the final minutes when Angola thought they had secured a late winner, only for the goal to be disallowed by VAR for offside, much to the relief of the Kenyan players and fans. This crucial draw sees Kenya maintain its top spot in Group A, a remarkable achievement for a team in its first CHAN appearance.
