President William Ruto has announced a significant cash incentive for Harambee Stars ahead of their upcoming clash against Zambia, promising Sh2.5 million for each player and member of the technical bench if the team secures a win on Sunday, August 17.
Speaking after he paid a visit to the team following their victory over Morocco, Ruto expressed confidence in the national football team and urged them to aim for victory.
“Sunday, I want us to have a new deal. God willing, we are winning. If we win, each person will get Sh2.5 million, including the technical bench,” he said.
The president also promised additional rewards for the team if they win their quarter-finals.
He said they would each get Sh1 million reward and a house under the affordable housing programme.
“For the quarters, if we win, on top of the Sh1 million, I will add the affordable housing you have asked for,” he told the players.
Ruto’s announcement comes as the national team prepares for the high-stakes fixture, which will mark Kenya’s last game in the group stages.
On Sunday, Harambee Stars secured a 1-0 victory over two-time champions Morocco in their third Group A match of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
The match was played at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani on Sunday.
This win guarantees Kenya's spot in the quarterfinals.
With this 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.
Harambee Stars' goalkeeper, Bryne Omondi, made several crucial saves to keep the scoreline intact.
The Kenyan team showed remarkable resilience and determination, with Ryan Ogam scoring the decisive goal.
Ryan Ogam’s 42nd-minute strike proved decisive at a raucous Moi International Sports Centre, as Benni McCarthy’s side defied the odds and Morocco’s unbeaten CHAN record to seize early control of Group A.
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.
The result, following a 1–0 win over DR Congo and a 1–1 draw with Angola, lifts Kenya to seven points from three games and leaves them within touching distance of a historic quarter-final berth on their tournament debut.
The historic win is a significant boost for Kenyan football and will undoubtedly inspire the nation's football fans.
