Harambee Stars captain Abud Omar has tendered an apology to fans following Kenya’s elimination from the CHAN tournament on Saturday, August 22, 2025.

Kenya’s fairytale run at the biennial continental championship came to a halt at the knockout stages through the lottery of penalty shoot-outs against Madagascar.

Stars had battled to a 1-1 draw in regulation time before their luck ran out in the post-match shootouts.

Following the defeat, Omar has taken to his Facebook page this Saturday, August 23, 2025, to apologise for the crushing loss.

In a passionate message, the Police FC defender stated that the entire team was equally affected by the defeat.

He went on to thank the fans, hailing their support through the duration of Kenya’s time in the championship.

Heavy on us

“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,”

“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,” his statement read.

His sentiments come after Benni McCarthy also broke his silence after Kenya’s elimination from the competition.

Speaking on Friday, August 22, 2025, the SA tactician hailed the team’s spirited run at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) despite bowing out in the quarter-finals after a tense penalty shootout. 

The coach who oversaw the decent run of the local-based players further stated that the debut campaign was a statement of intent for the future of local football.

McCarthy on defeat

“Nothing but proud of what we achieved. The players gave everything every single day in training and every match,” McCarthy said after the game.

Adding;

“It was really good, but football is like that; the lottery of penalties sometimes doesn’t go your way.”

On a sporting note, McCarthy also congratulated their rivals, Madagascar, for a worthy performance in front of a hostile crowd.

“It is a bit tough to go out this way. We expected a tough game but didn’t expect them to be this way. Their movement off the ball was great. I want to congratulate Madagascar for their passage to the semis,” he said

“If you come to Kenya and can perform at such a stage with the fans and the noise, they deserve huge credit for having nerves of steel, especially in the penalty shootout.”