Kenya’s Dream Run Ends as Madagascar Edges Them Out in CHAN Quarter-Final Penalty Shootout
Kenya’s maiden run at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) came to a heartbreaking halt as Madagascar held their nerve to win a dramatic 4–3 penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw in Nairobi. The quarter-final clash ended the Harambee Stars’ remarkable debut, snatching away their hopes of a historic semi-final appearance.Punch NewsKahawatunguAfrican Football
The match, held at Kasarani’s Moi International Sports Centre, was a dramatic battle. Alphonse Omija broke the deadlock early in the second half, nodding in a brilliant overhead free-kick from Boniface Muchiri to give the home side the lead.KahawatunguAfrican Football But Madagascar fought back, leveling the score in the 70th minute when Lewis Bandi was penalized for a handball, enabling Fenohasina Razafimaro to calmly convert from the spot.KahawatunguAfrican Football
Despite a flurry of substitutes, including debutant Austin “Musa” Odongo, Kenya couldn’t find the decisive goal during extra time and the contest moved to penalties. Madagascar proved more clinical, converting four attempts while Kenya missed two, with Omija and Michael Kibwage slipping up from the spot.Kahawatungu
Madagascar’s win earns them a place in the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of Sudan vs Algeria, turning a strong group-stage performance into a historic run.African FootballNotjustOk
Kenya’s exit is bittersweet. Their debut campaign was nothing short of sensational, they topped Group A unbeaten, overcoming Morocco, Zambia, DR Congo, and Angola with resilience and tactical discipline.Citizen DigitalKenyansKenya Times Their journey captured the nation’s imagination, raising hopes of a deep CHAN run on home soil.
The head-to-head record shows how closely matched the sides were. They had met only 11 times historically, with Madagascar holding five wins to Kenya’s four and two draws. The most recent encounter was a 2019 friendly in France, which Kenya won 1–0.SportPesa Blog
For Kenya, the focus now shifts to upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Seychelles and Gambia. Coach Benni McCarthy will look to rebuild momentum from this impressive CHAN showing.Kahawatungu
On the flip side, Madagascar’s journey underscores their rising stature. The Barea have now secured back-to-back quarter-final appearances, having finished third in the 2022 edition, and now push forward with confidence and tactical maturity. Their coach, Romuald Rakotondrabe, continues to prove his leadership after navigating a challenging group stage with grit and strategy.Pulse Sports KenyaConfédération Africaine de Football
