KENYA: Harambee Stars Crash Out Of African Nations Championship After Penalty Defeat To Madagascar

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

Kenya’s remarkable run in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) ended in heartbreak on Friday night after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to Madagascar at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The Harambee Stars bowed out in the quarterfinals despite producing a spirited display that kept fans hopeful until the very end.

The opening half saw limited chances, with Ben Stanley Omondi testing the Malagasy keeper from distance while Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa threatened at the other end.

Neither side could find a breakthrough before the interval.

Kenya drew first blood in the 48th minute when Boniface Muchiri whipped in a curling free-kick that Alphonse Omija headed home, sending the home crowd into jubilation.

Moments later, Ryan Ogam appeared to double the lead, but VAR intervened and disallowed the goal due to an infringement in the build-up.

Madagascar equalised in the 70th minute after Lewis Bandi’s handball gifted them a penalty.

Fenihasima Gilles Razafimaro coolly converted to level the tie. Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy introduced teenage prodigy Austin “Musa” Odongo and Edward Omondi to reignite the attack, with further substitutions made in the final minutes.

Extra time saw Kenya push forward aggressively, but poor finishing denied them the winning goal.

The contest was ultimately decided on penalties, where misses from Omija and Michael Kibwage proved costly as Madagascar held their nerve to seal victory.

Despite the painful exit, Kenya can take pride in reaching the CHAN quarterfinals for the first time and topping Group A. Attention now shifts to the World Cup qualifiers in September, where Harambee Stars will face Seychelles

and Gambia at Kasarani.