President William Ruto has congratulated Harambee Stars for delivering their promise and beating Morocco during the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).
This is after Harambee Stars secured a 1-0 victory over two-time champions Morocco in their third Group A match.
With the win, Harambee Stars have secured a spot in the quarterfinals and will look to build on this momentum as they take on Zambia in their final group match.
In a statement, the President termed Harambee Stars as “resilient” for delivering the win.
“Once again, the resilient, indomitable Kenyan spirit has roared to life at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani! Harambee Stars stood tall, defying the odds to defeat one of the tournament’s giants - Morocco - even after being reduced to 10 men for much of the match,” he said.
“Kenya is rising. We are conquering arenas where no one thought we could stand, let alone triumph. This is Kenya. We believe. We fight. We rise.”
President Ruto was rooting for Harambee Stars to beat Morocco promising them a financial reward.
He said that for every game won, he will read each player with Sh1 million and Sh500,000 when they draw.
“Congratulations to our boys - mumecheza kama nyinyi. Sasa nitacheza kama mimi!" he said on Sunday.
Earlier, the President asked Kenyans to pray for Harambee Stars as they were heading to face Morocco.
“Today Harambee Stars will be playing against Morocco, I told Harambee Stars that in every game they win, every player will walk away with Sh1 million, if they draw, they get Sh500,000, and I have paid them already for the games won earlier,” Ruto said.
“I ask all Kenyans to pray for our brothers, the Harambee Stars to win today’s match. They should do what they do best, Kenyans will also do the same and I will do what I do best for them to succeed. If they score a goal, you celebrate and I will pay.”
Kenya secured the win courtesy of Ryan Ogam who scored the goal in the 42nd minute, paving the way for Harambee Stars to qualify for the quarterfinals.
Ryan Ogam steered in the winner and McCarthy’s men then defended the lead with remarkable resolve after Chrispine Erambo’s red card upgraded by VAR in first-half stoppage time left the co-hosts with ten men for the entire second half.
