Harambee Stars players are set to receive major rewards after defeating Zambia in the quarterfinals on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

Following their victory, each player is expected to receive Ksh2.5 million, an increase from the Ksh1 million awarded for earlier wins. In their previous match against Morocco, players were handed Ksh1 million each, but the promise for the Zambia clash was raised to motivate the team further.

“We’ve also agreed on rewards: a win against Zambia next Sunday will earn each player Ksh2.5 million,” President Ruto said during a past meeting with the players.

The team will additionally share a collective reward of Ksh60 million for progressing to and succeeding in the quarterfinal stage.

This was to be extended to the technical bench

On the housing front, the package is expected to improve further should the team advance. If Harambee Stars win the semifinal, the reward will rise to a three-bedroom apartment for each player. In the event they lift the CHAN title in the finals, a package of Ksh600 million awaits the squad.

Coach Benni McCarthy, speaking after their earlier win against Morocco, attributed much of the team’s strong performance to the incentives promised, saying that the rewards played a major role in motivating the players.

The match

This comes after Kenya sealed top spot in the CHAN 2024 Group A after edging Zambia 1-0 at Kasarani, while Morocco produced a ruthless second-half performance to beat DR Congo 3-1 at Nyayo and claim the second ticket to the quarter-finals.

The Harambee Stars, already assured of progression before kickoff, were made to work hard against a stubborn Zambia side. The breakthrough finally came in the 75th minute, when substitute Boniface Muchiri slipped a pass through to Ryan Ogam, who controlled brilliantly inside the box before smashing past the keeper to send the Kasarani crowd into raptures.

It was a reward for Kenya’s dominance in possession and territory, though Zambia exited the tournament winless. Across the city at Nyayo, Morocco and DR Congo delivered a high-stakes battle. After a cagey first half that ended 1-1, Morocco seized control after the break. They added the second from the penalty spot, Hrimat calmly converting to make it 2-1 in the 70th minute. As DR Congo pushed forward desperately, Lamlioui struck again, finishing off another slick move to seal a 3-1 victory and Morocco’s place in the last eight.