Kenya’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) journey came to a heartbreaking end at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, after co-hosts Harambee Stars were eliminated by Madagascar in the quarterfinals. The clash ended 1-1 after extra time, before Madagascar triumphed 4-3 in a tense penalty shootout. Alphonce Omija had given Kenya the lead with a towering header, but Fenohasina Razafimaharo equalized from the spot to force the game into extra time and eventually penalties.
Madagascar will now face the winner between Sudan and Algeria in the semifinals at Mandela National Stadium on Tuesday, August 26. From the opening whistle, McCarthy’s men looked determined, dictating the tempo and pinning Madagascar deep in their own half. Kenya’s South African tactician made several key changes, restoring Bryne Omondi in goal, partnering Omija with Michael Kibwage in central defense, and recalling Suleiman Manzur and Boniface Muchiri to the starting XI.
The biggest talking point before kickoff was the omission of Sylvester Owino, who had featured in every game of the tournament until then. Joint top scorer Austin Odhiambo also started on the bench, just as he had against Morocco. Even so, Kenya began brightly, with Muchiri’s pace troubling Madagascar’s defense, while Lewis Bandi and Marvin Nabwire ensured a steady flow of possession. The Stars created promising openings, with Ben Stanley Omondi nearly connecting with Ryan Ogam, only for Malagasy goalkeeper Ramandimbisoa Michel to intervene. At the other end, striker Jean Luc Rakotson struggled to find space against a well-organized Kenyan defense.
Kenya eventually broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute when Omija rose highest to head home from a corner, sending the home fans into raptures. A second goal almost followed minutes later, but Ryan Ogam’s effort was ruled out for a foul in the buildup. Madagascar were gifted a way back into the contest in the 70th minute after Bandi was penalized for handball, with Razafimaharo converting the resulting penalty to level the score at 1-1. Both sides created chances late on, but goalkeepers Bryne Omondi and Michel ensured the game headed to extra time.
The extra 30 minutes provided more drama, with Kenya substitute Siraj Mohamed missing a golden chance in the 119th minute, while Rakotson almost stole victory for Madagascar in stoppage time. With neither side able to find a breakthrough, the match was settled from the spot. Both goalkeepers made saves during the shootout, but heartbreak struck when Omija fired wide in sudden death, confirming Madagascar’s 4-3 victory and Kenya’s elimination.
