Table of Contents
- Co-hosts Kenya have been knocked out of TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) after losing to Madagascar in the quarterfinals
- Whereas it ends in heartbreak for Harambee Stars, Madagascar’s fairytale continues
- Romuald Felix Rakotondrabe is aiming to guide his side to victory at this year’s CHAN tournament after finishing third in 2022
Co-hosts Kenya have been knocked out of TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) after losing to Madagascar in the quarterfinals. The match ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of play and Madagascar edged out Harambee Stars 4-3 on penalty shootouts at Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani.
Harambee Stars have been outstanding throughout the tournament, recording victories against African football giants such as Morocco and Zambia in the group stages. In fact, only a few expected them to go past the group stages as Group A was considered ‘Group of Death’. However, the boys in red did an impressive job, finishing top of the group with ten points and suffering zero loses.
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Having booked their spot in the quarterfinals, Harambee Stars were just three wins away from recording history in their first ever African Nations Championship tournament.
Kenya reached the quarterfinals of African Nations Championship after finishing top of Group A with ten points. The heartbreaking defeat against Madagascar on Friday brought to an end what has been a historic tournament for Harambee Stars. Photo/ CECAFA FOOTBALL.
Hopes were high on Friday evening as they hosted Madagascar in their first knockout game of CHAN. It seemed Harambee Stars were on their way to victory after taking the lead in the 48th minute at Kasarani. However, the tides changed later on and Madagascar levelled the scores. The tensed match remained tied deep into extra time and the winner had to be decided through penalty shootouts.
Harambee Stars initially matched their opponents in the shootouts but eventually lost after Alphonce Omija, who put Kenya ahead in normal time, dragged his effort wide and Toky Rakotondraibe converted Madagascar’s decisive penalty.
For Kenya, it’s a heartbreaking end to what has been a historic tournament. Harambee Stars impressive run to the quarterfinals marks the beginning of a new chapter in Kenya’s football.
How Kenya Vs Madagascar Unfolded
Heading into the match, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy urged his men to remain calm. Both sides played good football in the first half but none was lucky to find the back of the net.
Harambee Stars were the first to score in the tensed tie, with Omija heading home Boniface Muchiri’s cross into the box. The goal sent Kasarani into delirium as fans erupted with joy.
The hosts thought they had increased their lead to 2-0 moments later when Ryan Ogam found the back of the net. However, his effort was ruled out for offside after a VAR review showed a foul was committed in the build up to the goal.
Well, that turned out to be a wake up call to Madagascar who regrouped and eventually found their way back into the match in the 66th minute after being awarded a penalty. Fenohasina Razafimaro made no mistake from the spot as he converted the penalty after a handball by Lewis Bandi.
Madagascar will play in the semifinals of TotalEnergies African Nations Championship 2024 after knocking Harambee Stars out in the quarterfinals. Malagasy won 4-3 on penalties after the game ended 1-1. Photo/ TRT Global.
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The game remained level after 120 minutes and the winner had to be decided via shootout. Siraj Mohammed, Daniel Sakari and Sylvester Owino scored their penalties. However, Mike Kibwage’s efforts was saved by Madagascar goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa before Omija fired wide. Rakotondraibe then scored the penalty that sent Malagasy to the semifinals.
Whereas it ends in heartbreak for Harambee Stars, Madagascar’s fairytale continues. Romuald Felix Rakotondrabe is aiming to guide his side to victory at this year’s CHAN tournament after finishing third in 2022.
