Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has praised Harambee Stars for their resilience and determination at the African Nations Championship (CHAN), saying their performance exemplified the power of focus.

In a message posted on his Facebook page on Friday night, August 22, 2025, Kindiki said the team had made Kenyans proud despite their elimination in the quarterfinals after a penalty shootout loss to Madagascar.

“Harambee Stars, you have demonstrated the power of focus. Kenya is proud of you,” the Deputy President wrote.

Embracing the results

He urged the players and Kenyans at large to accept the result with grace, noting that football, like all sports, comes with outcomes that must be embraced.

“While the outcome tonight has not favoured us, we must accept that each game in soccer ends with a win, a draw or a loss. There is nothing you ought to have done that you didn’t do,” he said.

Kindiki further reminded the team that their performance at CHAN should be seen as a stepping stone to bigger opportunities, particularly the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

“Congratulations, AFCON 2027 is just around the corner,” he noted.

The Deputy President ended his message on an uplifting tone, hailing the team’s spirit with an emphatic affirmation that, despite the disappointment, Kenya’s football pride remains intact.

“It is okay, it is alright, coming to terms with it. Harambee Stars remains authentically Faya!” he declared.

End of the road

Kenya’s run at the 2025 African Nations Championship came to an abrupt end at the Moi Sports Centre in Kasarani on Friday, August 22, 2025, where they were defeated 4-3 on penalties by Madagascar in the quarter-finals.

Making their debut in the tournament, Harambee Stars initially seemed poised for a historic semi-final berth after Alphonce Omija’s powerful header gave them the lead shortly after the break.

However, moments later, a strike from striker Ryan Ogam was ruled out for a foul in the build-up.

Madagascar equalised in the 68th minute when Fenohasina Razafimanana converted a penalty after a foul in the box, sending the match into extra time.

With neither side able to score during extra time, the game was decided by penalties, where Madagascar held their nerve to win 4-3.