- Kenya vs Madagascar CHAN 2024 quarter-final match was played at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani Stadium.
- Madagascar secured a 4-3 win in the post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
- Madagascar will face either Algeria or Sudan in the semi-final on 26 August 2025 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The men’s national football team, Harambee Stars, saw their impressive journey in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) come to an end on the evening of Friday, August 22, after a heartbreaking quarterfinal elimination by Madagascar.
The match, staged at a packed Moi International Sports Center in Kasarani with over 36,000 in attendance, ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time.
This was after Alphonce Omija’s header, which had given Kenya the lead, was canceled out by a Fenohasina Gilles penalty that leveled the score.
Despite dominating large stretches of the match including extra time, Kenya failed to convert their superiority into goals.
The 120 minutes of play concluded without further change to the scoreline, pushing the game into a penalty shootout.
ALSO READ: Kenya vs Madagascar: Harambee Stars suffers painful CHAN defeat as Barea shines in penalties
Madagascar entered the shootout with the advantage of having veteran goalkeeper Michel Toldo, who had already impressed in the group stage with three Man of the Match performances.
The Malagasy converted four of their five penalties, missing only one through Heriniana Toky.
Kenya, on the other hand, entrusted all spot kicks to defenders, a bold but ultimately costly decision.
Of the five taken, they converted three, with Michael Kibwage’s attempt saved and Omija missing the target.
Despite the narrow loss, Kenya can hold their heads high in what was their debut CHAN tournament.
Under the guidance of Benni McCarthy, the team showcased immense potential and revived hope in Kenyan football.
However, in this quarterfinal clash, while several players shone, some of the substitutions made by the South African tactician did not have the desired impact.
SportPesa Blog gauges all the players on their performance in this encounter.
CHAN 2024: Kenya vs Madagascar player ratings
Byrne Omondi 7/10
He was largely untested in the first half, dealing comfortably with any threats with the help of his defense.
He initially brought hope to Kenya by saving Madagascar’s second penalty, but was unable to repeat the feat. A solid performance overall.
Aboud Omar 6/10
The captain was reliable at left-back and led the team well, though his sector was breached for the penalty concession in the second half.
Michael Kibwage 5/10
Despite his missed penalty, Kibwage remained a rock at the back, as he has been throughout the tournament.
He effectively cut out dangerous passes into the box and his distribution was sound.
Alphonce Omija 6/10
The hero of the day, he gave McCarthy’s charges the lead with a powerful header just three minutes into the second half.
Apart from his subsequent penalty miss, Omija was immense in defense and made several surging runs forward.
Lewis Esambe Bandi 6/10
The new Gor Mahia prospect conceded the handball that led to Madagascar’s equalizing penalty.
Otherwise, he had a strong game before being substituted, providing width on the right wing and effectively blocking incoming crosses.
ALSO READ: Aviator game strategies: The science of cashing out early vs late explained | SportPesa Kenya
Marvin Nabwire 7/10
His combination play with Alpha Onyango was excellent. Nabwire posed a constant threat on the wing, making intelligent runs that left Rakotondrabe charges struggling.
However, he squandered some clear chances in the first half, and his link-up play with Ben Stanley was lacking.
Alpha Onyango 8/10
Earning his second Man of the Match award of the tournament, Onyango was utterly deserving.
He dominated the central midfield with intensity, delivered incisive crosses, and was the engine that made Kenya tick, constantly unsettling the Malagasy defense.
Manzur Okwaro 6/10
As he demonstrated in the group stage, Okwaro was excellent in the defensive midfield role.
His work rate was crucial in breaking up Madagascar’s attacks and winning second balls before he was substituted.
Ben Stanley Omondi 5/10
He struggled to find his rhythm. Often caught between defensive duties and supporting the attack, he was slow to react in the first half, missing crosses from Nabwire and Muchiri.
He improved after the break and fashioned two chances but failed to convert.
Click here to play Aviator on SportPesa
Boniface Muchiri 8/10
He started the match under pressure and took time to settle.
However, he grew into the game and was the provider for the opening goal, delivering the perfect free-kick for Omija to head home.
Ryan Ogam 7/10
Ogam thought he had scored his third goal of the tournament, but it was disallowed.
Nevertheless, he continued his good form with strong hold-up play and intelligent movement.
Siraj Mohammed 5/10
Came off the bench and immediately made an impact with penetrating runs down the left wing. Confidently converted his penalty.
Daniel Sakari 5/10
Also scored his penalty and showed composure in the moments he was on the pitch.
Silvester Owino 5/10
Came in and calmly slotted his spot-kick. Provided a solid thirty minutes of defensive work.
Edward Omondi 4/10
Struggled initially with composure but managed to settle into the match. Despite flashes of brilliance, he failed to make a decisive impact.
Austin Odongo 4/10
Made his tournament debut, leaving Brian Michira as the only squad member not to feature. Odongo looked isolated upfront and struggled with the pace and pressure of the match.
Though eliminated, Harambee Stars delivered a promising performance throughout CHAN 2024.
With young talents stepping up and a revitalized system under coach Benni McCarthy, the future looks bright for Kenyan football.
This quarterfinal exit, while disappointing, marks a new dawn not the end of a rising force in African football.
Kenya vs Madagascar line up
Kenya: Omondi, Omar Abud (Captain), Kibwage, Omija, Onyango, Boniface Muchiri, Lewis Bandi, Ben Stanley Omondi, Suleiman Manzur Okwaro, Marvin Nabwire
Madagascar: Toldo, Nicholas, Toky, Tony (Captain), Lalaina, Fenohasina, Dax, Gregass, Luc, Bono, R Niaina