Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, has advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), topping Group A with 10 points – the country’s best continental football result since 1987.

Across the country, Kenyans are celebrating this success with joy and pride, their support uniting the nation like never before – silencing doubters who never expected the team to rise so strongly.

Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Salim Mvurya has spearheaded the government’s congratulations to Harambee Stars, praising their performance as a historic milestone for Kenyan football.

In a statement on Monday, Mvurya noted that the team had exceeded expectations, especially after being drawn in what was widely considered the tournament’s “group of death.”

“This milestone marks our most significant continental performance since 1987,” the statement read. “With every match played, our National Team has unified the country and reminded us of the beauty of our identity as one people.”

The CS also credited President William Ruto’s motivation as a source of encouragement for the players throughout the group stage. Each player received Sh2.5 million from the president for their win in the game, a reward that lifted their spirits and drive.

The Kenya vs Zambia match on Sunday attracted massive support, with more than 26,000 fans at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi and over 50,000 others gathering at designated fan zones across the city.

The Sports ministry, in coordination with other stakeholders, had established 10 official fan zones to comply with the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s directive to decongest the stadium.

The official fan zones, including Uhuru Park, Jacaranda Grounds, Dandora Stadium, and Nairobi CBD Archives, reported no security or crowd control issues – with Mvurya praising fans for celebrating “with dignity and discipline.”

As the Harambee Stars prepare to face Madagascar in the quarter-finals on Friday, Mvurya urged Kenyans to continue showing strong support, both at the stadium and in the fan zones.

“Let us rise again on Friday as we face Madagascar and once again show the world of the Kenyan spirit at its best,” the statement concluded.