Raila Odinga Promises Harambee Stars Will Play in Next AFCON If He Becomes President

• Raila Odinga is confident Harambee Stars can play in the next Africa Cup of Nations should he become president
• Odinga, who is eyeing the presidency for the fifth time noted that investing in grassroots football will help grow Kenya's football standards
• The ODM chief made the promise after Senegal's Lions of Teranga stunned Egypt to win the 2021 edition of the AFCON in Cameroon

Orange Democratic Movement party leader and presidential hopeful Raila Odinga has promised Kenyan football fans Harambee Stars will feature in the next Africa Cup of Nations if he becomes president.

Stars missed out on a place in the delayed 2021 AFCON staged in Cameroon after they failed to make it out in the qualifiers.

However, Odinga has vowed he will make sure the national football will make an appearance in the next edition of the tournament set for June 2023 in Ivory Coast.

According to the opposition chief, investing in grassroots football is one of Kenya's surest ways to secure a ticket for the biennial continental showpiece.

AFCON 2021: Sadio Mane Warned Against Playing in Senegal's Quarter-Final After Head Injury

Football

Raila Odinga's promise to Kenyan fans

"I promise the legion of Kenyan soccer fans that under my administration Harambee stars will be at the next #Afcon," Odinga, who is eyeing Kenya's presidency for the fifth time tweeted.

"We’ll invest in football starting with grassroots/mtaani and community clubs. #Inawezekana," he added.

Odinga's promise generated mixed reactions among his followers.

Whereas many exuded confidence this is achievable, others were skeptical as they suggested there is still much to be done for Kenya to compete at the highest level in football.

Senegal stun Egypt to win 2021 AFCON

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Senegal are the winners of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations staged in Cameroon after stunning Egypt in post-match penalties.

The thrilling match played at Olembe's Pau Biya Stadium had to be decided via the shootouts after both teams settled for a goalless draw in regulation time.

Sadio Mane, who missed a penalty during the first half turned hero in the shootouts as his spot-kick inspired Senegal to glory.

Aliou Cisse's charges headed into the 2021 AFCON as favourites having reached the final of the 2019 edition staged in Egypt where they lost to Algeria.