Kenya’s dream run at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 came to a heartbreaking end after losing 4-3 on penalties to Madagascar at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani. The Harambee Stars, co-hosting the tournament, were knocked out at the quarterfinal stage despite a spirited performance in front of their home fans.
The clash ended 1-1 after extra time, with Alphonce Omija putting Kenya ahead before Madagascar equalised through Fenohasina Razafimaharo’s penalty. With no winner after 120 minutes, the lottery of penalties decided the contest, and it was the Malagasy side who held their nerve to advance to the semifinals.
Kenya began brightly, dominating possession and creating the better chances. Boniface Muchiri was lively on the flank, stretching Madagascar’s defense, while Marvin Nabwire and Lewis Bandi controlled the midfield tempo. Ben Stanley Omondi and Ryan Ogam combined dangerously in the final third, but the Malagasy goalkeeper Ramandimbisoa Michel stood firm.
The breakthrough came in the 63rd minute when Omija rose highest from a corner to nod home a powerful header, sending the home crowd into jubilation. Moments later, Ogam thought he had doubled the advantage, only for the referee to disallow the goal for a foul in the buildup.
Madagascar clawed their way back in the 70th minute when Toky Randriamirindra’s shot struck the arm of Bandi inside the box. Razafimaharo stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to make it 1-1. The equaliser shifted momentum, with both sides creating late chances but failing to convert. Kenya substitute Siraj Mohamed missed a glorious chance in the 119th minute, dragging his effort wide.
With penalties the decider, Kenya faltered under pressure, missing two crucial spot-kicks. Madagascar converted four of their five attempts, booking a semifinal place where they will meet the winner between Sudan and Algeria.
For the Harambee Stars, the elimination is a bitter pill to swallow after a campaign that had raised hopes of a historic run on home soil. Despite the disappointment, the performance showcased a promising new generation of players, leaving fans optimistic about the future.
