'We Are Grateful'- Alpha Onyango Finds Positives in Harambee Stars CHAN 2024 Heartbreak to Madagascar

Alpha Onyango experienced a bittersweet moment of being named man of the match despite Harambee Stars' CHAN 2024 quater final loss to Madagascar.

Kenya’s dream run at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) came to a painful end after a hard-fought 4-3 defeat to Madagascar on penalties, but midfielder Alpha Onyango chose to focus on the positives as he reflected on the team’s journey.

 The Harambee Stars fell short in the knockout clash, bowing out after a tense contest that stretched into extra time, yet Onyango remained upbeat despite the disappointment.

The Gor Mahia midfielder was named man of the match for the second time during the tournament, having won one during their 1-0 win over DR Congo during their opening game.

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While he grinned from ear while holding the first, he was understandably angry while posing with the second award.

‘Means Alot to Win This Award’

“Mean a lot to get this award,” the Makongeni-born-and-raised midfielder said after receiving his second Man of the Match accolade of the tournament.

 “I thank my teammate for the support and the hard work that they put the entire tournament but unfortunately did not end our side. But we are grateful for the far we have reached. Thank you.”

Asked about the toll of the contest, the 25-year-old admitted it had been exhausting but insisted the squad gave everything.

“It’s not easy to go until extra time,” he said. “But again, you have to have the morale to keep on pushing until the last minute. It is what it is. We did not manage to go to another level, but we are happy for reaching this far.”

Onyango’s words captured the mix of pride and frustration felt within the Harambee Stars camp. Kenya had entered CHAN 2024 with modest expectations, but a string of disciplined performances saw them grow in confidence, with Onyango emerging as one of the tournament’s standout players. 

His composure in midfield, ability to break play, and eye for distribution earned him plaudits from both fans and pundits.

‘We Are Happy to Have Gotten This Far’

Though the loss to Madagascar ended Kenya’s hopes of advancing deeper into the competition, the Harambee Stars leave the tournament with valuable lessons and renewed belief. For Onyango, the experience was about more than results—it was proof that Kenyan football can stand tall on the continental stage.

“We are grateful,” he said. “We can say that we are happy for being able to reach this far that we have got.”