Kenyans react to Harambee Stars historic CHAN knockout qualification

Kenyans had different opinions after Harambee Stars secured a quarter-final position in style, with the majority of individuals expressing their delight.

Harambee Stars took on the Chipolopolo of Zambia in a final Group B clash on Sunday, 17 August, with Kenya winning 1-0.

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Ryan Ogam's 75th-minute strike after being put through by Boniface Muchiri was all that Kenya needed to secure all three points that also secured top spot in Group A.

With the win, Harambee Stars will now play their quarter-final match against Madagascar at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani, on Friday, 22 August from 1700 hrs.

With a home quarter-final slot secured, fans took to various social media platforms to react to the achievement, and Mozzart Sport sampled some of them in this article.

Harambee Stars' match winner, Ogam, praises McCarthy for placing trust in him after 'difficult' spell

Girls Nyali reacting to the win in Mozzart Sport's Senior Writer Kevin Teya’s Facebook post on the result expressed her delight and prediction on Kenya’s performance going forward.

“I have never been so proud of my country as I am today. The excitement within me has changed my outlook; this is the season of victory. We must win in everything, no matter what. We now shift focus to the match against Madagascar. At the bare minimum, Kenya must play in the semi-finals, and that would be a big achievement for our football.”

For Derrick Kwach, McCarthy's substitutes were the game changers in a match that was by all means difficult.

“We experienced a very strong Zambian side that had no pressure after losing everything, while we ourselves had the pressure to win. Zambia’s plans were going on well until Muchiri (Bonface) and Masud (Juma) were introduced. The two brought in a different challenge and a threat upfront that eventually led to our goal. Muchiri should start all matches if Kenya wants to score early goals. He is a great dribbler (sic),” Kwach told Mozzart Sport.

Experienced Sports videographer Ustadh Okello Kimathi, on his part, singled out Man of the Match winner Ryan Ogam for praise, comparing him with the legendary Mike Okoth.

“His physique and killer finishing instincts take me back to the golden days of Kenyan football, evoking memories of the legendary Mike Origi Okoth. At just 21, the Tusker FC striker is already writing his own script in the Kenyan Premier League and beyond. Twice now, he has carried the nation on his young shoulders, scoring Kenya’s only but most decisive goals in back-to-back fixtures at the 2024 CHAN Championships. The boy from ‘Umojeng’ is fast becoming the man for the moment. The future glitters with promise, may the stars continue to align for you, Rayo!” posted the Arab Emirates-based scribe on his Facebook page.

Kennedy Nyongesa, meanwhile, had kind words for Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy.

“The impact that McCarthy has had on Kenyan football in the few months he has been around has been immense. That has clearly revealed itself in this CHAN. No one gave Kenya a chance of qualifying to the quarter finals. Not even myself but here we are, finished top in the group of death and booked a quarter-final slot at home. McCarthy has a way of getting the best out of our players and I would not be surprised if the CHAN trophy remains in Nairobi (sic),” Wasonga posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Austin Odhiambo's heartfelt plea to President William Ruto after Zambia win

In the Harambee Stars’ Facebook page, Chris Ochieng called on McCarthy to maintain the current squad even when foreign-based players will be eligible to play.

“How I wish there's a way the coach can retain these local based players for future tournaments like the World Cup-Qualifiers because it's obvious they have this harmony in play. They also do not have this star mentality like the others who fear to play to their full potential because they fear injuries that can cost them their dollar jobs abroad. This team has really disapproved of most naysayers and brought joy to football lovers (sic),” said Ochieng.

For President William Ruto, he congratulated the team for proving their worth and noted that it is now time to fulfil the Ksh2.5 million promise.

“At the beginning of the CHAN tournament, no one gave our Harambee Stars a chance of going past the group stages. After all, we were in the so-called “Group of Death.” Yet, our boys have triumphed. By overcoming football giants of the continent, our boys have shown the world what it truly means to believe in ourselves. They have proven that Kenya is an ambitious nation, destined for greatness, if only we embrace faith, courage, focus, and hard work.

Congratulations, Harambee Stars! You have done the nation proud, inspired immense joy, and united our country in celebration. Now, march forward and conquer the continent. Do not settle for less — just as we, as a nation, must never settle for anything less than glory. As for me- nitacheza kama mimi. After all, dawa ya deni ni kulipa (I will do my part. After all, the remedy for debt is paying)(sic),” The Head of State posted on his X account.