The Harambee Stars’ spirited run at the Pamoja CHAN tournament came to a valiant end, but their performance has been hailed by the country’s top leadership.

Despite a heartbreaking 4-3 penalty shootout loss to Madagascar in the quarter-finals, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki praised the team for making the nation proud.

Addressing the squad at Kasarani Stadium, Kindiki offered words of encouragement. “There’s nothing you would have done that you haven’t done.

We are very proud of you, very proud of the federation, and we will now take the lessons and build on the momentum, because the future of our soccer and our national team is very bright,” he said.

The Deputy President assured the players that the government would back them in future tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

He confirmed that the Ministry of Sports and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) would collaborate to strengthen the team, with the goal of performing “much better” at AFCON.

The team’s efforts did not go unnoticed by fans, who gave the squad a standing ovation after the hard-fought 1-1 draw.

President William Ruto also joined in the praise, celebrating the team’s “remarkable run” and their ability to “silence doubters.”

He stated that their courage and determination had “lifted the spirit of a nation.” Acknowledging the painful loss, President Ruto insisted that bowing out on penalties was “no dishonour,” but rather a “badge of greatness,” highlighting the team’s fierce fight to the very end.