Harambee Stars’ fairy-tale run at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) ended painfully in the quarter-finals, costing the team millions in potential rewards. Despite their remarkable progress in the competition, Kenya’s elimination on penalties against Madagascar meant both players and technical staff missed out on a huge financial windfall.
Each player had already secured Ksh5 million from the government as a reward for advancing past the group stage, with additional bonuses following their quarter-final appearance. However, that is where the cash train stopped. The quarter-final defeat denied the team not only further prize money from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) but also lucrative promises made by the government.
By failing to reach the semi-finals, Kenya missed out on at least Ksh77 million in guaranteed CAF prize money. A semi-final appearance would have assured them either a place in the final or the third-place playoff, which carried a minimum payout of $600,000 (Ksh77 million). The third-place finishers are rewarded with $700,000 (Ksh90 million), while the runners-up walk away with $1.2 million (Ksh155 million). The overall winners of CHAN 2024 will pocket $3.5 million (Ksh451 million).
Beyond CAF’s allocation, the Harambee Stars also lost out on promises from the government. Had they progressed to the semi-finals, each player and member of the technical bench would have received an additional Ksh70 million collectively, as well as a two-bedroom house. The ultimate jackpot would have come had Kenya gone all the way, with a Ksh600 million presidential reward pledged for the team in case of a tournament triumph.
Although the heartbreak against Madagascar cut short their dream, the tournament has still been historic for Harambee Stars. They navigated a tough Group A featuring giants such as Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia, finishing top against all odds. The campaign not only earned them national pride but also showed that Kenyan football can compete with the best on the continent.
Still, the sting of missing out on hundreds of millions in potential rewards will linger. What was shaping up to be a golden payday ended with heartbreak in the shootouts, leaving Kenya to watch from the sidelines as others chase the ultimate prize.
