Wetang’ula praises Harambee Stars’ resilience despite CHAN exit
By Valerian Khakayi, August 22, 2025National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has hailed Harambee Stars for their spirited performance at the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), despite their painful quarterfinal exit at the hands of Madagascar.
In an encouragement statement shared on his official social media channel shortly after the match on Friday night, August 22, 2025, Wetangu’la said the national team had displayed great performance and resilience, embodying the true Kenyan spirit throughout the games they played during the ongoing tournament.
“Team Kenya has displayed great performance & resilience in the CHAN 2024 tournaments, depicting the true Kenyan spirit,” Wetang’ula said.
“Today was just but a bad day in the office for the Harambee Stars after a 4-3 upset by Madagascar in the post-match penalties. As debutants in the Championship and coming from the group of death, the boys never disappointed, giving their well-drilled rivals a run for their money to emerge top in the group.”
While acknowledging the disappointment of the exit at the quarter final, the speaker emphasised that the country remained proud of the Stars’ stellar performance.
Additionally, he further noted that CHAN had been a springboard for the national team as they set their sights on the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
“It’s a painful quarter-final exit, but as a country, we are proud of Harambee Stars’ sterling performance,” he added.
“We exit the pitch with our heads held high up cognisant of the fact that CHAN has been our springboard as we prepare for AFCON in 2027. Hongera Harambee Stars!!! We live to fight another day !”
Harambee Stars’ exit
The national team bowed out of the 2024 CHAN after a tense quarterfinal match against Madagascar at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The match ended 1-1 in regulation and extra time, forcing a dramatic penalty shootout, which the Malagasy team won 4-3.
Harambee Stars started the game strongly, dominating midfield play and creating several scoring opportunities. Boniface Muchiri, Suleiman Manzur Okwaro, Ben Stanley Omondi, and Ryan Ogam linked up with neat passing combinations in the first half but were repeatedly blocked by Madagascar’s organised backline.
Kenya missed two spot kicks through Mike Kibwage and Omija as the islanders progressed to the semis in their third tournament. Madagascar’s goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa was instrumental, saving crucial spot-kicks and ensuring his team’s passage to the semifinals.