August 22, 2025 – The Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani was electric with anticipation as Kenya’s Harambee Stars faced Madagascar in the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025. However, the night ended in heartbreak for the home side as Madagascar clinched a dramatic victory in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in extra time, dashing Kenya’s hopes of advancing to the semifinals in their debut CHAN campaign.
End-to-End Action in Regulation Time
The match began with high intensity, with Kenya, led by coach Benni McCarthy, showcasing their physicality and aggression both on and off the ball. The Harambee Stars, who topped Group A unbeaten with an impressive 10 points, dominated early duels and put Madagascar under pressure. In the 48th minute, Kenya’s Alphonce Omija ignited the home crowd, slotting home a well-worked goal to give the Harambee Stars a 1-0 lead. The Kasarani faithful roared as Kenya seemed poised to capitalize on their home advantage.
Madagascar, however, showed resilience. Despite struggling to break through Kenya’s robust defense, the Barea earned a lifeline in the 69th minute when Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa was fouled in the penalty area. Fenohasina Gilles Razafimaro stepped up and converted the penalty with a powerful shot to the right, leveling the score at 1-1. The equalizer shifted momentum, and both teams pushed hard for a winner, but the match remained deadlocked after 90 minutes, forcing extra time.
Extra Time Drama at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani
The additional 30 minutes saw both sides create chances but fail to find the decisive goal. Kenya’s substitutions, including Austine Odongo, Ben Omondi, and Masud Juma, injected fresh energy, but Madagascar’s defense held firm. Dangerous attempts, like Rijaniaina Randriamanampisoa’s powerful strike that sailed over the bar, kept Kenya’s goalkeeper Bryne Omondi on his toes. As the clock ticked down, the match headed to a penalty shootout to determine who would advance to the CHAN 2025 semifinals.
The Penalty Shootout Heartbreak
The penalty shootout was a nerve-wracking affair, with both teams stepping up to the spot under immense pressure.
Harambee Stars had two of their penalties saved by the Madagascar goalkeeper, while Kenya’s goalkeeper, Bryan Omondi, managed to stop one of Madagascar’s spot kicks.
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Madagascar’s Team Resilience Shines
Madagascar, who finished third in CHAN 2022 and qualified for the quarterfinals as Group B runners-up with seven points, proved their mettle. Their ability to stay composed under pressure, particularly in the shootout, showcased their growing stature in African football. The Barea will now advance to the semifinals, where they aim to replicate or surpass their 2022 bronze-medal finish.
A Look at Harambee Stars CHAN 2024 Campaign
Despite the loss, Kenya’s performance in their debut CHAN tournament was nothing short of remarkable. The Harambee Stars, who qualified automatically as co-hosts, defied expectations by topping Group A with wins over DR Congo (1-0), Morocco (1-0), and Zambia (1-0), alongside a 1-1 draw against Angola despite playing with 10 men for much of the match. Ryan Ogam, who scored crucial goals throughout the tournament, was a standout performer, though his miss in the shootout will sting.
Coach Benni McCarthy expressed pride in his team’s efforts, stating, “The boys gave everything. We played with heart, and to go unbeaten in the group stage as debutants is something special. Penalties are a lottery, and tonight wasn’t our night.”
