Angola vs Kenya CHAN 2024: How Much Money Harambee Stars Will Get After Draw

Harambee Stars players are set to pocket Ksh 500,000 each after holding Angola to a thrilling 1-1 draw in their second group-stage match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Wednesday night.

The reward, totaling Ksh 21 million for all 27 players and 15 technical bench members, is part of the government’s lucrative incentive plan to motivate the national team to a historic campaign on home soil.

This comes just days after the team bagged Ksh 1 million per player following their impressive 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the tournament opener.

Backed by a passionate home crowd, Kenya fought valiantly after going down early in the match and being reduced to ten men in the first half.

“Guys, it cannot get better than this. We have tripled the rewards so that everyone does their best,” said President William Ruto after the DRC game.

The Head of State has made bold pledges to support the team, including promising Ksh 600 million should they go on to win the tournament.

On Saturday, Ruto hosted the players for a morale-boosting breakfast at the Pullman Hotel in Nairobi, where he outlined the reward structure: Ksh 1 million for a win, Ksh 500,000 for a draw, Ksh 60 million for reaching the quarterfinals, and Ksh 70 million for the semifinals.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) officials have confirmed the pledges, which are expected to boost the players’ morale as they chase a maiden CHAN title.

Kenya’s encounter with Angola proved to be a test of character. Angola drew first blood in the 12th minute through Jo Paciencia after a slick wing move orchestrated by Antonio Da Silva.

However, Kenya responded just five minutes later when Austin Odhiambo confidently converted from the penalty spot after being brought down in the area by Afonso Marques.

The game took a dramatic twist midway through the first half when midfielder Marvin Nabwire was shown a red card for a heavy challenge on Angolan winger Alem, leaving Kenya with 10 men for over an hour.

Angola thought they had snatched all three points at the death when Joao Manha’s thumping header found the back of the net. But the celebrations were short-lived as VAR intervened and ruled the goal out for offside.

“Let us set aside all other political parties, our party this month is Harambee Stars,” added President Ruto, rallying the nation behind the team.

Kenya now sits in a strong position with four points from two matches and will look to secure a spot in the quarterfinals with a result in their final group game.

The CHAN tournament, exclusively for players featuring in their domestic leagues, continues to offer a platform for local stars to shine on a continental stage.

Kenya is grouped alongside Angola, DRC Congo, Morocco, and Zambia, where a top-two finish will see them advance to the knockout stages.