In a pulsating quarter-final showdown at the iconic Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Nairobi, Kenya’s Harambee Stars delivered a performance brimming with grit and national pride, only to see their debut campaign in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 come to a heartbreaking end.
On August 22, 2025, the co-hosts battled Madagascar to a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of intense action, before succumbing 4-3 in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
This match, watched by a roaring crowd of 36,022 fans—filling nearly 80% of the stadium’s capacity as approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF)—encapsulated the highs and lows of football, leaving Kenyan supporters with a mix of disappointment and optimism for the future.
The African Nations Championship, often dubbed the “local heroes’ tournament,” exclusively features players based in their home countries’ domestic leagues, providing a platform for emerging talents to shine on the continental stage.
For Kenya, co-hosting the event alongside Tanzania and Uganda under the “Pamoja” (Swahili for “together”) theme marked a historic milestone.
The Harambee Stars, under the guidance of South African coaching legend Benni McCarthy, had defied expectations as debutants, topping Group A unbeaten and igniting hopes of a deep run.
Madagascar, drawing on their experience from a third-place finish in the 2022 edition, proved resilient adversaries, advancing to the semi-finals where they will face the winner of Algeria vs. Sudan.
Build-Up: High Stakes and Electric Atmosphere in Nairobi
As kick-off approached at 5:00 PM local time, the atmosphere at Kasarani was electric. Fans streamed in from early afternoon, with long queues forming amid tight security checks.
The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), in partnership with the CHAN 2024 Local Organizing Committee, even set up a live screening at the Safari Rally Grounds using a state-of-the-art Cinema-Mobile Truck, ensuring more supporters could join the festivities.
Across Kenya, from Mombasa’s public viewing parties to national broadcasts, the nation rallied behind the team.
Team news added to the anticipation. Harambee Stars fielded a strong starting XI: goalkeeper Omondi, captain Abud Omar, defenders Michael Kibwage, Alphonce Omija, and Lewis Bandi, midfielders Marvin Nabwire, Manzur, and Benson Onyango, alongside forwards Stanley Wilson, Ryan Ogam, and Boniface Muchiri. Substitutes included Faruk Shikhalo, Siraj Mohammed, and Chrispinus Odongo.
Madagascar countered with goalkeeper Toldo, defenders Nicolas and Toky Rakotondraibe, midfielders like Fenohasina Razafimaro and Dax, and forwards Luc and Bono.
Political figures and leaders voiced their support, with Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro declaring that “the whole of Africa is rallying behind Kenya,” and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka urging the team to “carry the Kenyan flag high.”
President William Ruto had earlier pledged bonuses of Sh1 million per win and Sh500,000 per draw, underscoring the national investment in the squad’s success.
X posts captured the pre-match buzz, with fans sharing videos of the vibrant mood at Kasarani, including chants and traditional songs from the Madagascar camp.
Match Report: From Dominance to Drama
The first half was a cagey affair, with both sides probing for openings but failing to break the deadlock.
Kenya, buoyed by home support, controlled possession and created early chances, but Madagascar’s disciplined defense held firm. The scoreline remained 0-0 at halftime, setting the stage for a thrilling second period.
Just three minutes after the restart, in the 48th minute, Kenya ignited the stadium. Boniface Muchiri delivered a pinpoint cross from the right flank, and Alphonce Omija rose highest to power a header past Toldo, giving the Harambee Stars a deserved 1-0 lead.
The goal sparked wild celebrations, evoking memories of Kenya’s last semi-final appearance in a major tournament—38 years ago in the 1987 All-Africa Games. Hopes soared for a historic breakthrough.
Momentum seemed firmly with Kenya when Ryan Ogam thought he had doubled the lead, but VAR intervened, disallowing the goal for a foul in the build-up. This pivotal moment shifted the tide.
Madagascar, sensing vulnerability, pushed forward and earned a penalty in the 69th minute after Lewis Bandi’s handball in the box. Fenohasina Razafimaro coolly converted, slotting the ball into the net to level the score at 1-1.
The remainder of regulation time saw end-to-end action, with both teams creating opportunities but lacking the clinical edge. Extra time brought more tension—substitutions like Madagascar’s late changes in the 117th minute added fresh legs—but no further goals materialized, leading to the dreaded penalty shootout.
In the shootout, pressure mounted as spot-kicks decided fates. Kenya’s Siraj Mohammed, Sylvester Owino, and Benson Sakari converted theirs, but misses from Alphonce Omija (the hero turned villain) and Michael Kibwage proved costly.
For Madagascar, Tony, Lalaina, and Nainaina scored, with Toky Rakotondraibe delivering the decisive kick despite an earlier miss from a teammate. The Barea triumphed 4-3, silencing the Kasarani crowd and advancing amid jubilant celebrations.
Key Player Performances and Tactical Insights
Alphonce Omija emerged as a standout for Kenya, scoring the opener and anchoring the defense throughout. His header showcased aerial prowess, but his penalty miss highlighted the fine margins in football.
Boniface Muchiri’s assist was a moment of brilliance, while goalkeeper Omondi made crucial saves to keep Madagascar at bay.
On the downside, Lewis Bandi’s handball error proved pivotal, and the team’s attacking inefficiency—failing to convert dominance into more goals—was a recurring theme.
For Madagascar, Fenohasina Razafimaro’s composure from the spot was match-defining, and Toky Rakotondraibe’s decisive penalty underlined their mental resilience. Coach Romuald Rakotondraibe, a former Kaizer Chiefs star, leveraged the team’s experience to weather Kenya’s pressure.
Tactically, Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars emphasized defensive solidity, conceding just two goals across five matches.
However, their lack of ruthlessness in front of goal—scoring only five times in the tournament—ultimately cost them. Madagascar’s counter-attacking style and penalty prowess, honed from past tournaments, tipped the balance.
Reflections on Kenya’s Breakthrough Campaign
Despite the elimination, Kenya’s CHAN 2024 journey was a resounding success. As debutants, they topped Group A with 10 points from four matches: gritty 1-0 wins over DR Congo, Morocco, and Zambia, plus a 1-1 draw against Angola.
Conceding only one goal in the group stage, McCarthy’s side transformed from underdogs to dark horses, inspiring a football renaissance in the country.
Player ratings from post-match analyses praised the squad’s fighting spirit, with standouts like Omija, Muchiri, and captain Abud Omar earning high marks. McCarthy, reflecting on the loss, would likely echo sentiments of pride, as seen in similar campaigns.
The tournament’s co-hosting success, with packed stadiums and regional unity, bodes well for Kenya’s football infrastructure ahead of future events like the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Fan Reactions and What’s Next
Social media erupted with mixed emotions. Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale posted, “The CHAN 2024 Quarter Final clash… may not have gone our way, but Harambee Stars have once again brought the country together.”
Others lamented the exit but celebrated the run, with X users sharing highlights and calling for continued investment in local talent.
Madagascar now eyes a semi-final berth at Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, building on their 2022 bronze. For Kenya, the focus shifts to building on this momentum, with eyes on qualifying for AFCON 2025 and nurturing stars like Omija for the senior team.
In the end, this quarter-final was more than a match—it was a testament to African football’s passion and unpredictability.
Harambee Stars may have fallen short, but their spirited display has etched a new chapter in Kenyan sports history, promising brighter days ahead.
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