Table of Contents
- Kenya has taken sides in the upcoming Morocco vs Madagascar finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024
- Kenya was eliminated in the round of 16 from the tournament by Madagascar in a tight match
- Madagascar cut short Kenya’s dream to win its first continental title in the CHAN tournament
Kenya has taken sides in the upcoming Morocco vs Madagascar finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
Kenya was eliminated in the round of 16 from the tournament by Madagascar in a tight match played at Kenya’s Kasarani Stadium.
Kenya bowed out of the race following a 4-3 penalty shootout in favour of Madagascar. Barea (Madagascar’s national team) made it to CHAN finals.
Who is Kenya Supporting in Morocco Vs Madagascar CHAN 2024 Finals?
Interestingly, Kenya leans more into North Africa in the upcoming Morocco vs Madagascar CHAN finals. Kenya has a history with the two countries since the start of CHAN.
Madagascar cut short Kenya’s dream to win its first continental title in the CHAN tournament. The game ended in a draw after extra time, forcing a penalty shootout.
Harambee Stars fans at the Kasarani Stadium where Kenya won 1-0 against DR Congo in their CHAN24 opening match. Photo/Harambee Stars
Barea took the quarter-final victory after a 4-3 win in penalties against Harambee Stars. It was the lowest moment for the Stars and their fans, who had a lot of hope in winning this game and the tournament.
As for Morocco, Kenya won 1-0 in their Group A match in their meeting with the Atlas Lions. Harambee Stars’ win over the Atlas Lions raised hope among Kenyans that the Stars would make it to the finals.
However, Madagascar ended this dream, which is why Kenyans are in support of the Atlas Lions in the upcoming Morocco vs Madagascar finals.
Victor Wanyama Speaks on CHAN Finals
Scotland-based Kenyan footballer Victor Wanyama, currently playing for Dunfermline Athletic rallied Kenyans to support Morocco in the CHAN finals. Wanyama said that he is still hurt that Kenya did not make it to the finals of the tournament.
Victor Wanyama. Photo/ Nairobi News.
“I urge Kenyans to turn up at Kasrani Stadium for the Morocco vs Madagascar finals even though Harambee Stars didn’t make it. Personally, I’d like us to support Morocco, because I’m still hurting over Madagascar’s win. That should have been our spot,” he said on Wednesday.
Several Kenyans supported his call, arguing that the Atlas Lions deserve Kenyan support in every inch.
“We have nothing against Madagascar, but we all saw what happened during the match. The referee was biased, and that win belongs to Kenya. It’s only right to speak against this bias,” Moses Karenye said.
Watiri Omondi said “Morocco should revenge for us. Madagascar did us a dirty one, and the Atlas Lions should do something for us,” she said.
Kenya Vs Madagascar Controversy
Madagascar will play in the semifinals of CHAN 2024 after knocking Kenya out in the quarterfinals. Photo/ TRT Global.
According to former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, the referees officiating the Kenya vs Madagascar match openly showed bias.
He filed a complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary board, citing that two of Harambee Stars’ goals were wrongfully disallowed. This locked Kenya out of CHAN 2024 semi-finals.
Sonko argued that the referee didn’t follow CAF rules in reviewing the incidents that led to disallowing the two goals, though the VAR or from the coaches and team captains.
The referee struck out a a goal by Ryan Ogam, on the basis that it was a foul. The Kenyan politician had called for the suspension of the semi-finals.
However, his complaint seems to have fallen through the cracks as Morocco vs Madagascar finals match is underway.
