Each Harambee Stars Player to Receive Ksh2.5 Million After Beating Zambia

Harambee Stars secured first place in Group A after a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Zambia at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday, August 17. 

Tusker striker Ryan Ogam emerged as the hero, netting the decisive goal fifteen minutes from time to ensure Kenya finished the group stage with ten points.

With one point ahead of Morocco, the win sets up a quarter-final showdown between Harambee Stars and Madagascar on Friday, August 22.

From the first whistle, the match was played at a high tempo. Kenya, determined to seal top spot, pressed aggressively, while Zambia, already eliminated, looked to leave with pride. 

Early opportunities came quickly, with Ben Stanley earning a free-kick within five minutes, though Austin Odhiambo’s delivery was cleared by the visitors.

Zambia almost scored moments later when Kelvin Mubanga capitalized on a defensive lapse, only for Michael Kibwage to make a crucial goal-line clearance. 

Kenya responded with several chances of their own, as Ogam and Odhiambo threatened the Zambian defence and Stanley forced desperate blocks.

Despite dominating possession, the Harambee Stars went into halftime frustrated, with Kalumba proving a formidable barrier.

The second half continued in the same vein, with end-to-end action keeping fans on edge; Zambia threatened through Mubanga and Prince Mumba, but Kenya regained control.

The breakthrough came in the 75th minute when Muchiri broke through the Zambian defence and laid the ball off to Ogam, whose composed first touch allowed him to slot a low finish past Kalumba.

Zambia pressed for a late equalizer, with Mubanga drawing a superb save from Farouk Shikalo, while Marvin Nabwire and Muchiri tested the goalkeeper in stoppage time.

Ahead of the game, President William Ruto promised that should Kenya defeat Zambia, each player will receive Ksh2.5 million, and Ksh1 million and a house if they advance past the quarter-finals.

"We’ve also agreed on rewards: A win against Zambia next Sunday will earn each player Ksh2.5 million.

"If they triumph in the quarter-finals, each will be gifted Ksh1 million and a two-bedroom affordable housing unit in a location of their choice," he said.

Ruto made the promise during a meeting with Harambee Stars players following their 1–0 victory over Morocco in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Sunday, August 10.

In a statement after the meeting, Ruto highlighted the unifying power of sports and urged Kenyans to rally behind the national team.

"Unity has always propelled us forward. We must never allow negativity, failure, or doubt to prevent us from reaching our full potential. If we believe in ourselves and refuse to let division or hate enter the equation, Kenya can become the great nation we all dream of," he said.

Ruto commended the team for their role in uniting the country and expressed confidence in their ability to win CHAN.

"The Harambee Stars are proof of what unity can achieve. They have brought the country together and we are all witnessing the success it is bringing to the nation. We stand behind you, praying that this time we win will CHAN because it’s within close reach," he added.