Kenyan football fans have been left fuming after Murang’a Seal forward Victor Haki publicly celebrated Harambee Stars’ painful elimination from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The striker shared a TikTok video of himself jubilantly mocking the team’s quarterfinal defeat to Madagascar, sparking a wave of anger and online curses.
Harambee Stars, competing at CHAN for the first time in history, were knocked out in heartbreaking fashion after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to Madagascar. The match had been tightly contested, with Alphonce Omija giving Kenya the lead before Madagascar equalised through a Fenohasina Gilles penalty. Extra time could not separate the two sides, forcing the game into penalties. Despite goalkeeper Bryne Omondi saving an attempt from Toky, misses by Michael Kibwage and Omija sealed Kenya’s exit.
While the nation mourned the end of what had been a historic and spirited campaign, Haki’s celebration came across as unpatriotic and disrespectful to many. Harambee Stars captain Abud Omar strongly criticised the forward, saying such actions disrespected not only the team but the country. His sentiments were echoed by thousands of supporters who called for professionalism and unity among players.
Fans quickly flooded social media, demanding accountability and questioning whether Haki’s actions reflected poorly on Kenyan football. Many felt that while club rivalries add spice to domestic competition, they should never overshadow national duty. According to supporters, when representing the country, loyalty to the flag should come before personal feelings or club allegiances.
Despite the controversy, Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 journey remains a source of pride. The team topped Group A unbeaten, defeating Morocco, DR Congo, and Zambia with narrow but impressive 1-0 victories. A comeback against Angola secured a quarterfinal spot, boosting national belief in the squad’s potential.
Although the penalty heartbreak against Madagascar ended the dream, Kenya’s performance marked a breakthrough on the continental stage. The controversy surrounding Haki may have overshadowed the moment, but the Stars’ resilience and progress in their maiden CHAN campaign remain a historic milestone for the country.
