Gor Mahia assure Harambee Stars players of support after CHAN exit
By Cy Muganda, August 24, 2025Gor Mahia have rallied behind their players who represented Kenya at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), assuring them of the club’s unwavering support despite the national team’s elimination in the quarter-finals.
In a statement posted on their X account on August 23, 2025, the former Kenyan Premier League champions addressed the Harambee Stars squad, emphasising pride in their representation of both club and country at the continental tournament.
“To our Gor Mahia players in the Harambee Stars, we’re proud of you,” the club stated.
“Despite the loss to Madagascar, you wore the national jersey with pride, courage, and heart,” the statement signed by club Treasurer Gerphas Okuku added.
Motivation for growth
Okuku urged the players to view the CHAN experience as a learning opportunity and instead channel the disappointment into future motivation.
“Defeats happen, but your resilience and passion shine through. Use this moment to grow stronger and hungrier for victory,” Gor Mahia noted.
Okuku further assured the players that the Gor Mahia family remains firmly behind them, urging them to maintain belief as they prepare for future competitions.
“Gor Mahia family stands with you. Keep believing, keep fighting, greater triumphs await. Stay strong,” he added.
Kenya’s elimination
Gor’s statement follows Kenya’s unexpected exit from the 2025 African Nations Championship on August 22, 2025, at the Moi Sports Centre in Kasarani, where they lost 4-3 on penalties to 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 halftime.
However, a moment later, a goal by striker Ryan Ogam was disallowed due to a foul during the buildup. Madagascar equalised in the 68th minute when Fenohasina Razafimanana converted a penalty after a foul in the box, sending the match into extra time.
Neither side scored during extra time, leading to a penalty shootout, where Madagascar held their nerve to win 4-3.