Harambee Stars Captain Sends Heartfelt Message to Kenyans after Madagascar Defeat

Harambee Stars captain Abud Omar has shared in the disappointment of Kenyans after the home team was knocked out of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) football championship.

The team lost to Madagascar in the quarter finals stage on Friday, August 22.

The two teams tied to a 1-1 draw throughout the regular and extra times pushing the game to the penalty shootouts where Kenya was routed.

Speaking after the defeat, Abud said the results is not what they had looked forward to.

He appreciated the loss felt by Kenyans and owned up on behalf of the entire team.

"Dear Kenyans , Yesterday’s loss weighs heavily on us. We know we have let Kenyans down and on behalf of the team, I sincerely apologise," he said.

At the same time, Abud, who plays for Kenyan league side Police FC, expressed his gratitude to the fans who showed up in their numbers to cheer them on from when the tournament started.

He expressed optimism in the future football challenges, promising to learn from the blunders that contributed to this particular loss.

"To all our fans, thank you for your massive support and unity—you have been our greatest strength. Though we fell short today, we promise to rise again and fight harder for our country and for you. Teamkenya," he said.

The Kenyan team had successfuly edged over its opponents in the group stages to top Group A.

Out of the four matches it played, Harambee Stars won three and drew in one.

It topped the group with ten points.

In the meanwhile, Tanzania, which had topped Group B, was also knocked out of the tournament in the group stages.

Taifa Stars were defeated at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Friday evening, August 22.

Uganda is the only team from East Africa left in the 2024 CHAN.

The team, which topped Group C, is set to face off with Senegal on Saturday, August 23.

The finals are slated for August 30 at the Kasarani Stadium.