CHAN: Kenya can only look up with pride despite exit – Kibwage

Kenya national team midfielder Michael Kibwage believes Harambee Stars gave their all against Madagascar despite losing on penalties to exit the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Kasarani Stadium on Friday.

Despite being pushed by a sold-out crowd, Harambee Stars produced a tense 1-1 draw across 120 minutes, before Madagascar prevailed 4-3 on spot-kicks, with Toky Rakotondraibe converting the decisive penalty after Alphonce Omija missed for the hosts.

Football can be cruel. Some pains take a while to settle in and when it does, we look at the bright side,” said Kibwage, who missed his penalty. “We gave it our all, wanted to make the country proud. Sadly we had to exit in a painful way.

“It pains we didn’t go through, but we fought like our lives depended on it. Very few gave us a chance, but you our dear fans believed in us and pushed us every step of the way.”

He concluded: “We are truly grateful for your support and truly sorry we didn’t keep the party going. We can only look up with pride, because this is only the beginning.”

Kenya arrived unbeaten from the group stage, topping a pool that included former champions Morocco and DR Congo.

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