Harambee Stars players will each receive Ksh 500,000 as a reward for their 1-1 draw against Angola in the second group-stage match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The match, played at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, saw Kenya fight back from a goal down and play over an hour with ten men, showcasing immense character and resilience.
The bonus is part of a government-backed incentive plan aimed at motivating the national team to excel in the tournament being hosted on home soil. In total, Ksh 21 million will be distributed among 27 players and 15 members of the technical bench following the result.
This draw comes shortly after Kenya’s opening match victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo, where each player received Ksh 1 million. The financial incentives are designed to boost morale and maintain high performance throughout the tournament.
Kenya’s second match saw Angola take an early lead in the 12th minute through Jo Paciencia. However, the response was swift. Just five minutes later, midfielder Austin Odhiambo converted a penalty to level the score after he was fouled in the box by Afonso Marques.
Drama unfolded midway through the first half when Marvin Nabwire received a red card for a tough challenge on Angolan winger Alem. Kenya was left with ten men but managed to hold their ground, thanks to a solid defensive display and goalkeeping heroics.
In the dying minutes, Angola thought they had stolen the win with a powerful header from Joao Manha, but VAR ruled the goal offside, securing a crucial point for Kenya.
Ahead of the tournament, the reward structure was unveiled, with promises of Ksh 1 million for each win, Ksh 500,000 for a draw, and massive incentives of Ksh 60 million and Ksh 70 million for reaching the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively. A Ksh 600 million grand prize awaits the team if they win the championship.
With four points from two matches, Kenya stands in a strong position in their group, which includes Angola, Morocco, DRC Congo, and Zambia. A positive result in their final group-stage match could see them advance to the knockout stages for the first time in CHAN history.
