Harambee Stars are poised to benefit financially from their participation in the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirming a minimum payout of KSh 25.8 million ($200,000) for all group stage participants, including teams that finish bottom.

This comes as part of a record-breaking KSh 1.3 billion ($10.4 million) prize fund announced by CAF for this year’s CHAN tournament, representing a 32% increase from the KSh 1.02 billion ($7.9 million) distributed during the 2023 edition held in Algeria.

The boost in prize money underscores CAF’s commitment to enhancing the value and competitiveness of continental tournaments. The 2024 CHAN champions will walk away with a whopping KSh 452.2 million ($3.5 million), marking a 75% increase from the KSh 258.4 million ($2 million) that Senegal earned after lifting the title last year while the Runners-up will pocket KSh 155 million ($1.2 million) with the Third place set to bank KSh 90.4 million ($700,000) and the Fourth place will receive KSh 77.5 million ($600,000).

YOU MISSED: Harambee Stars Defender Erick Ouma Launches National High School Football Tournament to Nurture Young Talents

Losing quarter-finalists will get KSh 58.1 million ($450,000) each as third-placed teams in groups A, B, C, D to earn KSh 38.7 million ($300,000) while other group stage participants will receive KSh 25.8 million ($200,000) minimum.

Harambee Stars have been drawn into Group ‘A’, one of the three five-team pools in the tournament. While their minimum earnings are guaranteed even if they finish bottom, securing at least a third-place finish would see their prize increase to KSh 38.7 million ($300,000).

READ ALSO: Benni McCarthy Names Harambee Stars Final 25-Man Squad for CHAN 2024

CAF’s financial incentives are expected to motivate participating teams to put their best foot forward. For Kenya, this represents not only a chance for continental glory but also a significant opportunity to bring in much-needed revenue that could support football development in the country.

The 2024 CHAN, featuring exclusively home-based players, is keenly anticipated after its earlier postponement. With increased stakes on the pitch and in the bank, Harambee Stars will be looking to make a strong impression and maximize their earnings.

Ends///