African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-finalists Kenya will receive $450,000 (R8.8 million) for their efforts, but the country’s finest footballer, Victor Wanyama, says their rise is priceless.
With South Africa’s Benni McCarthy at the helm, the Harambee Stars fell to Madagascar in the last eight, and McCarthy, on a two-year deal since March, has been hailed for “reviving” Kenyan football despite their tournament exit following a penalty shootout defeat to Madagascar on Friday.
And amongst those who are full of praise for Bafana Bafana’s top scorer of all time with 31 goals is Wanyama.
“I’m proud of our Harambee Stars. You played with heart, courage, and unity, reminding us that football is more than trophies—it’s about pride, passion, and resilience,” said Wanyama, who has been capped over 60 times for the Harambee Stars.
“Though CHAN ends here, the journey continues. Onwards and upwards. To coach Benni McCarthy, thank you for reviving football and bringing class and professionalism. We can only wait to see what’s ahead.”
McCarthy will now switch focus to the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers next month, with Kenya fourth in Group F, having collected six points from the same number of matches, and ten points behind leaders Ivory Coast.
Meanwhile, defending champions Senegal will face two-time winners Morocco in the CHAN semifinals on Tuesday.
Sudan will take on Madagascar in the other semifinal, also scheduled for Tuesday.
The winners will advance to the final on Saturday, 30 August, in what is shaping up to be one of the most memorable editions of CHAN in the competition’s history.
The champions will bank $3.5 million (R63.6 million), with the runners-up credited with $1.2 million (R21.8m).
