HARAMBEE STARS BAG MILLIONS DESPITE LOSING TO MADAGASCAR IN THE CHAN 2024 QUATERFINALS

Kenya’s Harambee Stars were knocked out of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, but the team is set to walk away with millions in prize money after reaching the quarterfinals in what was their debut appearance at the tournament. The Stars exited the tournament on Friday, August 22, after losing 3-4 to Madagascar on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani.
Despite the heartbreaking finish, the quarterfinal achievement guarantees Kenya a sizable cash reward as one of the four losing quarterfinalists. The team is set to earn a total of $450,000 (approximately Ksh58.14 million) in prize money for reaching the quarterfinals, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) CHAN 2024 prize money breakdown.
CAF had confirmed that this year’s edition saw a 75% increase in the winner’s prize money, with the total prize pool expanding by 32% to reach $10.4 million (approximately Ksh1.34 billion). In addition to the financial incentives, the tournament featured the unveiling of a brand-new trophy and was uniquely hosted by the three East African nations under the banner of CHAN PAMOJA 2024.
According to CAF, the winner of the tournament will receive $3.5 million (approximately Ksh452 million). This marks a significant increase from previous editions, reflecting the growing stature of the tournament.
The team finishing as runners-up will take home $1.2 million (about Ksh155 million), while the third-place finisher will earn $700,000 (around Ksh90.4 million). The fourth-place team will receive $600,000 (about Ksh77.5 million).
Each of the four losing quarterfinalists, including Kenya and Tanzania, will be awarded approximately Ksh58.14 million. Teams that finish third in the group stage will earn about Ksh50 million, while those that end in fourth place in their respective groups will receive about Ksh33.3 million.
In addition to the CAF prize money, the Harambee Stars have already bagged significant rewards during their campaign. Following victories in the group stage and qualification for the quarterfinals, President William Ruto has, in total, awarded each player and member of the technical bench Ksh5 million in bonuses.
Further, the Head of State pledged a two-bedroom affordable housing unit for each player and technical staff member following their qualification to the quarterfinals after the win against Zambia.
The attention now shifts to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), which will determine how the CAF prize money will be allocated. It remains unclear whether the amount will be shared among players and staff or if it will be retained by the federation for other purposes. In what turned out to be a tense and emotionally charged quarter-final clash, Harambee Stars’ historic CHAN 2024 run came to an end with the narrow loss to Madagascar.