CHAN 2024: Morocco Win Pushes Harambee Stars' Earnings Further Into the Millions

Harambee Stars have been off to a flying start in their African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) campaign under the guidance of Benni McCarthy.

They began their campaign with a 1-0 win over two-time CHAN champions DR Congo before holding Angola to a 1-1 draw in their second group stage match.

Heading into their clash with two-time champions Morocco, few expected Harambee Stars to claim all three points, with most predicting either a defeat or, at best, a draw.

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However, against all odds, Harambee Stars claimed a 1-0 victory over the Atlas Lions and are on the verge of making it to the quarterfinals. They face Zambia on Sunday, August 17, in their final group stage match, and all eyes will be on them to deliver.

In a move to motivate the team, President William Ruto pledged cash rewards for every match won or drawn. For every match won, the president pledged Ksh 1 million per player, with Ksh 500,000 being promised per player for every draw.

President William Ruto also promised the players Ksh 60 million if they reach the quarterfinals, Ksh 70 million for a semifinal appearance, and a staggering Ksh 600 million if they go all the way to the final and win.

After their win against DR Congo and a draw against Angola, the team had already received payments from the government. The win against Morocco further adds to their individual earnings, meaning every player now has Ksh 2.5 million.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has set a record prize pool of KSh 1.3 billion for CHAN 2024.

For the quarterfinals, Harambee Stars are guaranteed KSh 58.1 million ($450,000). This is in addition to the KSh 25.8 million ($200,000) they were already assured for participating in the tournament.

If they reach the semifinal, Harambee Stars are now in a position to earn Ksh 70 million for the team. Finishing in third guarantees them Ksh 90.4 million ($700,000) for the team.

A second-place finish will see them walk away with Ksh 155 million ($1.2 million) for the team, with the champions being promised a whopping Ksh 452.2 million ($3.5 million) for the team.