Kenya’s CHAN debut ended in heartbreak on Friday night, but midfielder Alpha Onyango emerged as a beacon of hope, claiming the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award after a gritty display in the Harambee Stars’ penalty shoot-out defeat to Madagascar in Nairobi.
The 23-year-old’s recognition came on a bittersweet evening at Kasarani, where Kenya’s dream of a first continental semi-final in 38 years slipped away in a 4-3 shoot-out loss after a 1-1 draw.
“I am happy to be named Man of the Match, but would have been happier if we won and progressed,” Onyango admitted, clutching his award. “It is sad that we didn’t go through because we gave our all. Despite exiting today, we leave with our heads held high.”
Kenya led through Alphonce Omija’s header before Fenohasina Razafimaro equalised from the spot. The shoot-out proved decisive, with Omija and Mike Kibwage missing crucial kicks as Madagascar advanced.
Onyango, however, stood out for his composure and relentless energy in midfield, drawing praise from CAF’s technical panel. His ability to link play and break up opposition attacks was a highlight of Kenya’s campaign, which saw the debutants top a group featuring Morocco and DR Congo.
Reflecting on the cruel end, Onyango summed it up bluntly: “We put up a fight and penalties are not anyone’s game. We are heartbroken not to have achieved our targets, but we have to move on.”
For Kenya, the journey stops short of history, but with Onyango and a promising core gaining invaluable continental experience, the Harambee Stars’ future looks brighter than ever.