We promise to rise again - Harambee Stars captain Abud Omar

Harambee Stars Captain Abud Omar Khamis alongside Youth Affairs CS Salim Mvurya/PCS

Harambee Stars captain Abud Omar Khamis has reassured Kenyans that the national team will bounce back despite their quarter-final exit from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Stars bowed out on Friday night after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Madagascar at Kasarani Stadium.

The match ended 1-1 in regulation time before Kenya lost 4-3 on spot-kicks, cutting short a promising campaign in which they finished unbeaten in the group stage.

Omar thanked Kenyans for their overwhelming support, describing fans as the team’s greatest source of strength.

He praised their unity and optimism, pledging that the team would rise again and fight harder for both the country and its supporters.

"Dear Kenyans, yesterday’s loss weighs heavily on us. We know we have let Kenyans down, and on behalf of the team, I sincerely apologise,” Abud shared the message on his official Facebook page on Saturday.

“To all our fans, thank you for your massive support and unity—you have been our greatest strength. Though we fell short today, we promise to rise again and fight harder for our country and for you.”

The Stars captain’s remarks came after a spirited campaign that saw Kenya edge DR Congo, Morocco, and Zambia while drawing with Madagascar, with coach Benni McCarthy later noting that small margins and missed chances proved decisive in the knockout stage.

The head coach admitted his side was caught off guard by Madagascar’s ball movement in their African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarterfinal clash.

Despite the disappointment, McCarthy emphasised the positives from his team’s campaign, highlighting their performances in what he described as “the toughest group you could ever get in the CHAN competition.”

Looking ahead, McCarthy called for a stronger pathway for the national team, stressing the need to ensure Kenya avoids such heartbreaking exits in future competitions.

"Hopefully, we can work in a good way moving forward so the national team is strong and we don't go through this situation again. I don't want to see penalties anytime soon," he joked.

The coach said the experience would serve as a valuable learning curve for his players, many of whom were making their first appearance on a continental stage.

He urged fans to take pride in the team's growth and resilience, despite the bittersweet ending.