Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, for the first time, hosted the African Nations Championships in August 2025.

For fans, it was a moment to savour as they witnessed the continental competition on the East African soil, but for players, it was time to prove their worth.

After the finals, although Kenya were eliminated by the eventual finalists, Madagascar, People Daily Digital picks out the big winners to emerge from the competition.

Ryan Ogam

Many have tipped the former Tusker striker to be Michael Olunga’s long-term successor.

Another gem given trust and playtime by Benni McCarthy. He scored Kenya’s goal against Morocco as Harambee Stars went on to defeat the eventual CHAN champions.

How he scored the 42nd-minute goal was impressive; calmness, agility and precision were all at play as Ogam stunned the African heavyweights at a fully packed Moi International Sports Centre.

After the CHAN finals, he secured a move to Wolfsberger AC of Austria.

Byrne Omondi

During the CHAN finals, the goalkeeper’s future had already attracted speculation, as he was tipped to sign for Gor Mahia from Bandari.

Despite the overwhelming transfer rumours around him, he did well during the finals and was a key figure in the squad that made history by reaching the CHAN finals on Kenya’s debut.

After the finals, the Tusker, Mathare United, KCB, Bandari, Posta Rangers, and Agro Chemicals signed for Gor Mahia.

Mansur Okwaro

Although his inclusion in the CHAN squad raised eyebrows, the youngster went on to prove critics wrong. He was a regular starter under McCarthy, and the former KCB defender really impressed.

A solid utility player who can play as a left back or a right back, the Nairobi United star proved his worth during the continental finals.

His transition from the junior side to the senior side was rather quick, with some arguing he was not ripe for Harambee Stars yet.

As impressive as he was during the U20 AFCON finals, he was as good as Kenya hosted and played in the CHAN finals.

However, since then he has experienced limited playtime with Nairobi United, a club that has been impressive in just a short period of time.

The FKF Cup winners are among the Confederation Cup group stage contestants and are the only Kenyan team in CAF competitions.

Sylvester Owino

The Gor Mahia defender played in all group stage matches, and his individual performance was one of the reasons Kenya advanced to the knockout phase.

In all those games, he was a regular starter, and even when McCarthy tweaked his starting lineup, he was not dropped, but his defence partners changed between Michael Kibwage and Alphonce Omija.

In the quarter-final encounter against Madagascar, he was dropped for what is understood to be tactical reasons, but he was brought on during extra time as the need for a solid defence became a priority.

Boniface Muchiri

Although he was already an established figure in the Kenya Premier League before the CHAN finals, he stood out as Kenya needed an inspiration on the continental stage.

The former Tusker attacking midfielder was Kenya’s creative force in the final third, and he performed his duties with impeccable precision.

After the finals, the Ulinzi Stars midfielder earned promotion in the Kenya Defence Forces ranks, a deserved recognition after the finals on the country’s soil.