Harambee Stars midfielder Marvin Nabwire has opened up about breaking down in tears following his red card against Angola, admitting he feared being held responsible had the national team gone on to lose.

In a candid Q&A session with Kalyondu Musyimi on Saturday, August 16, 2025, Nabwire shared that the last time he cried was due to the incident against Angola.

“Against Angola after the red card,” Nabwire said.

The midfielder described the intense mental anguish he experienced after receiving the dismissal, explaining how he desperately hoped the team would avoid defeat.

“I think I felt like in my mind I was praying for the game to draw or to win. But we should not lose because maybe it would have been me who made them lose, and it was early after getting that card,” Nabwire explained.

Despite his regret over the red card incident, Nabwire maintained that his actions were motivated by team interests rather than individual recklessness.

“But it was one for the team,” he emphasised.

Ruto’s Ksh2.5M bonus

During the same interview, Nabwire also revealed his plans for the Ksh2.5 million bonus that each player received from President William Ruto for their performance in the CHAN tournament.

When asked about his plans for the substantial financial reward, Nabwire remained somewhat coy about specific details.

“I’m investing,” the midfielder stated, declining to elaborate on specific investment ventures.

Nabwire’s red card

In the match against Angola on Thursday, August 7, 2025, ten-man Harambee Stars managed to hold Angola to a dramatic 1-1 draw at the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) held at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Angola took the lead in the seventh minute, with striker Jó Paciência capitalising on a defensive error to slot the ball past Kenya’s goalkeeper Byrne Odhiambo.

However, Kenya quickly responded; just four minutes later, the referee awarded a penalty for a foul. Austin Odhiambo stepped up and confidently converted the penalty in the 11th minute.

Kenya seemed to gain momentum until the 21st minute, when midfielder Marvin Nabwire received a straight red card after a VAR review.

Initially shown a yellow card for a reckless tackle on Angola’s Além, the decision was upgraded to a red, leaving Kenya with ten men for the remainder of the match.