Kenya’s CHAN dream ends in penalty heartbreak against Madagascar
Centre-back Alphonce Omija had put the Harambee Stars ahead with a towering header early in the second half, sending the home crowd into ecstasy.
The Kenyan team that played against Madagascar. AFP PHOTO
By Agencies .
Journalists @New Vision
Kenya’s fairytale debut at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 ended in heartbreak on Friday as Madagascar edged them 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Kasarani.
Centre-back Alphonce Omija had put the Harambee Stars ahead with a towering header early in the second half, sending the home crowd into ecstasy. But Madagascar struck back in the 66th minute when Fenohasina Razafimaro converted from the spot after a handball.
With no winner after extra time, penalties decided the tie. Kenya matched their opponents through Siraj Mohammed, Daniel Sakari, and Sylvester Owino, but misses from Mike Kibwage and Omija proved costly. Toky Rakotondraibe then fired in the decisive kick for Madagascar.
The defeat ended Kenya’s first-ever CHAN campaign, in which they topped a tough group featuring Morocco and DR Congo. Despite their exit, Benni McCarthy’s side earned plaudits for their resilience, conceding just twice in five games.
For Madagascar, bronze medalists in 2022, the victory confirmed their growing reputation as African football’s giant-killers, with goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa again the hero.