Kenya's Harambee Stars were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), prompting a response from President William Ruto and calls for increased investment in the team. Hussein Mohamed, a Kenyan football official, emphasized the administration's non-interference in player selection, full support for the technical team led by coach Benni McCarthy, and efforts to stabilize the football federation, including completing an audit with FIFA and ensuring timely payment of all dues. Despite challenges in the local league, which requires more investment for proper management and player remuneration, the federation has made progress. The tournament saw notable performances from players such as Allan Okello of Uganda, Oussamma Lamlioui of Morocco, and Thabiso Kutumela of South Africa, each scoring three goals. Uganda's defeat to Senegal ended East Africa's hopes in the competition. Following the tournament, Kenya's Sports Cabinet Secretary, Ababu Namwamba, indicated the state would invest heavily in Harambee Stars. Additionally, coach Benni McCarthy revealed that up to 15 players from the CHAN squad are expected to join the core national team. The CHAN 2024 trophy is set to be awarded at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi. Meanwhile, in unrelated football news, Nigerian players Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams, and Chrisantus Uche are scheduled to participate in a La Liga match between Sevilla and Getafe.
Tonight on #Sporton, @bernardndong and @jwokabi will host the prestigious #CHAN2024 trophy, which will be awarded to the winner this Saturday at Kasarani in Nairobi. We will also have Harambee Stars legend @victorwanyama joining us to share insights and reflections on the https://t.co/NBxAbOLz60
CHAN stars at a glance: Top Scorers: Allan Okello (UG), Oussamma Lamlioui (MA), Thabiso Kutumela (SA). Okello plays for Viper SC, Lamlioui for de Berkane, Kutumela is a free agent. They each have netted three goals in the tournament #SportyMonday https://t.co/ImFFEd3Q3X
Hosting CHAN: Lessons Learned Mixed Bag: Beat Morocco, Zambia and DRC, but still inconsistent Bright Sparks: Young guns lit up despite early exit #SportyMonday https://t.co/CTOShNI7hb