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Kenya's national football team, the Harambee Stars, were greeted with a hero's welcome in Nairobi on June 13, returning home after a decisive 2-0 victory over Chad in an international friendly.
Nairobi, Kenya — June 13, 2025
A wave of jubilation swept across Nairobi on Thursday as the Harambee Stars, Kenya’s national football team, returned home to a rapturous hero’s welcome following a resounding 2-0 victory over Chad in an international friendly played in Morocco. The victory marks a significant milestone — not only as the team’s first win of the year, but also the debut triumph under the stewardship of new head coach Benni McCarthy, the South African football legend brought in to reignite Kenya’s football ambitions.
Hundreds of passionate fans thronged Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, waving flags, singing patriotic songs, and chanting the names of their favorite players, as the team emerged to a chorus of vuvuzelas and unfiltered joy. For a nation often starved of football success, the win was more than a morale boost — it was a statement of intent.
Coach McCarthy, visibly proud and energized, addressed the media shortly after touchdown, praising his squad’s discipline, tactical execution, and hunger for success.
“This is just the beginning,” McCarthy said. “What I saw on the pitch was belief, chemistry, and a hunger that can carry us far. The boys gave their all, and the result reflects their commitment.”
The match, played in Rabat, saw Kenya dominate possession and control the tempo from the first whistle. Goals from Michael Olunga, the team captain, and Austin Odhiambo, the young midfield sensation, sealed the victory and offered a glimpse into what could be a new golden generation of Kenyan football.
For a fan base accustomed to heartbreak and inconsistency, the result triggered a surge of optimism. Social media lit up with praise for the team’s newfound energy and McCarthy’s leadership, with hashtags like #StarsAreRising and #BenniEffect trending across Kenyan platforms.
“It feels like we’ve finally turned a corner,” said Susan Wanjiku, a long-time supporter from Embakasi. “This win means more than just three points — it means hope.”
Kenya’s football has long been plagued by issues off the pitch — from administrative wrangles to inconsistent coaching appointments. McCarthy’s appointment was seen as a bold move by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), and the early signs suggest it may be paying off.
The victory couldn’t have come at a better time. With African Nations Championship (CHAN) preparations underway and FIFA World Cup qualifiers fast approaching, the Harambee Stars are under pressure to build momentum and deliver on long-standing promises of continental competitiveness.
McCarthy has emphasized a philosophy centered on youth development, mental toughness, and attacking football — a departure from the defensive strategies of past regimes.
“We’re not just here to participate,” he said. “We’re here to compete — and win.”
As the team took a brief lap of honor through Nairobi’s streets in a convoy organized by the Ministry of Sports, the air was thick with possibility. Fans young and old cheered from sidewalks, some holding homemade signs with the words “Kenya Rising”, while others sported Harambee Stars jerseys — many worn for the first time in years.
In a country currently facing difficult political and economic questions, this small moment of footballing success offered a rare and powerful unifier — a shared celebration that transcended background, party, and tribe.
Whether this victory is a spark or the start of a true footballing renaissance remains to be seen. But for now, under Benni McCarthy, the Harambee Stars are shining bright — and the nation is watching.
