ODM party leader Raila Odinga has promised to ensure Harambee Stars feature in the Africa Cup of Nations if elected president on August 9.
Raila was speaking after Sadio Mane scored the winning spot-kick as Senegal claimed a first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over seven-times winners Egypt following a 0-0 draw in the decider in Yaounde on Sunday.
“Congratulations Senegal on winning. I promise the legion of Kenyan soccer fans that under my administration, Harambee stars will be at the next Afcon,” Raila said.
On Sunday evening, via his Twitter handle, Raila said if he is elected president, his government will invest in football.
“We’ll invest in football starting with grassroots/mtaani and community clubs,” he said.
Harambee Star’s grand return to Afcon after a 16-year hiatus was overshadowed by allegations of gross mismanagement of finances allotted by the government towards the entire campaign.
Kenya’s attempt to make an appearance in Cameroon ran into a hitch, following a torrid run in the qualifiers, where they posted mixed results to finish third behind eventual winners Egypt and Comoros.
Harambee Stars only won a solitary match, while posting four draws and a loss in other encounters.
They were held to a one-all draw by Comoros Islands in Nairobi on November 11 before suffering a 2-1 loss in Moroni a couple of days later.
During the February 6,2022 match, Mane had missed an early penalty but stepped up to make history for the West African nation, and banish the memories of their 2019 failure when they lost in the finals to Algeria.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved from Mohanad Lasheen in the shootout to allow Mane the chance to seal the win and gain just reward for Senegal, who had been by far the better side in the final but spurned numerous opportunities to win the game.
Egypt had their goalkeeper Mohamed Abo Gabal to thank for getting them into the shootout at the Stade d’Olembe as he was outstanding in keeping Senegal at bay in what was the fourth time in as many games they had played extra time in energy-sapping conditions. BY THE STAR