CHAN: Victor Wanyama proud of what Kenya achieved despite exit

Former national team Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama believes Kenya achieved more than expected at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) despite their journey coming to an end at the quarterfinal stage.

Playing on home soil, Harambee Stars under coach Benni McCarthy finished their Group A matches at the top with 10 points. They achieved the position after finishing unbeaten with wins against two-time CHAN champions DR Congo and Morocco, a draw against Angola, and a win against Zambia in their final fixture.

However, they failed to go past the last eight after losing 4-3 on penalties against Madagascar following a 1-1 draw in normal and extra-time.

Speaking after receiving the new CHAN trophy that will be on parade at Kasarani Stadium during the final on Saturday, Wanyama said: “This is a really beautiful trophy. I wish we were still in the fight to win it but I am proud of what the team achieved.

“It is a great feeling to represent the country at the highest stage and to show what we have in terms of football talent. It is every young footballer’s dream to reach those levels and I know after this tournament they will be burning inside to do this again.”

On CHAN being co-hosted in East Africa, the former Tottenham midfielder said: “The tournament has been really great with the way CAF has organized everything from the teams to the supporters.

“There has been an electric atmosphere in Nairobi with full stadiums and so many fans flocking in to watch football. This is a great moment for us and it shows that there will be bigger things to come in 2027 when the AFCON comes here.”

Wanyama represented Kenya at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and enjoyed a glittering club career in Europe.

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