President Ruto's Message After Harambee Stars Were Knocked Out of CHAN Tournament

President William Ruto has lauded Harambee Stars for their remarkable campaign in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) that kicked off on August 3.

Kenya co-hosted the high-level tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

The Kenyan team triumphed in the group stages to secure a spot in the quarter finals.

The team topped the Group A without having lost match; winning three games and drawing in one.

However, the meticulous run came to a painful end when Kenya was forced out in the quarter finals by Madagascar.

Kenya hosted the team at Kasarani Stadium, where the visitors had a breakthrough in penalty shootouts after 1-1 draw through the regular time and extra time.

Ruto, who is in Japan for the Tokyo International Conference, hailed the team for surmounting challenges and naysayers to advance past the group stages.

"We had a remarkable run. Harambee Stars have silenced doubters, lifted the spirit of a nation, and reminded us that when Kenyans play with courage, confidence, and determination, nothing is impossible. Yes, we bowed out at the quarter-finals — but we fought valiantly to the very end. To lose in the lottery of penalties is no dishonour; to push the contest to such a finish is itself a badge of greatness," the president said.

While congratulating Madagasar, the president praised the home team for fighting to the end, and posting remarkable performance that excited Kenyans on the stands.

Given that Kenya is slated to host the remaining matchs to the finals, Ruto urged Kenyans to continue thronging the stadiums even with the home team's exit.

He called on the Harambee Stars to brace themselves up for the next challenge after the CHAN loss.

"Though we exit the tournament, we remain the proud co-hosts of the historic Pamoja CHAN. Let us continue to fill Kasarani with cheer, energy, pride, and love for the game — all the way to the final whistle. For our boys, the journey does not end here. Let us carry the lessons of this campaign into the road ahead, as we prepare for an even more spectacular Africa Cup of Nations in 2027. Kenya shall rise. Kenya shall triumph," the president said.

Meanwhile, Tanzania Stars were also knocked out of the tournament after a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Morocco.

Tanzania topped Group B, with Morocco falling in Group A's second place below Kenya.

Uganda is the only East African country left in the tournament, having topped Group C to qualify to the quarters.

Uganda Cranes are slated to face off with Senegal, which stands second in Group D, on Saturday, August 23.

Sudan, which topped Group D, will face off with Algeria, the second in Group C.

The tournament will wrap up on August 30 with the finals at Kasarani Stadium.