Heartbreak for Kenya as Madagascar End CHAN Fairytale Run

Heartbreak for Kenya as Madagascar End CHAN Fairytale Run

  • Kenya’s historic campaign under coach Benni McCarthy ended in heartbreak at the 2024 CHAN quarter-finals
  • The Harambee Stars looked on course for another famous victory after taking the lead early in the second half, but their opponents fought back to force a nail-biting finish
  • While elimination was tough to take, the team will still walk away with pride, valuable experience, and significant financial rewards for their run in the tournament

South African legend Benni McCarthy was left heartbroken after Kenya’s Harambee Stars were eliminated from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) dramatically.

Kenya’s historic run ended at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Friday, August 22, with Madagascar edging them 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Heartbreak for Kenya as Madagascar End CHAN Fairytale Run
Heartbreak for Kenya as Madagascar End CHAN Fairytale Run
Source: Instagram

McCarthy had already made history by guiding the Stars to the quarter-finals, becoming the first coach to achieve the feat with Kenya. But the dream ended cruelly, as missed penalties from Alphonse Omija and Michael Kibwage sealed their exit.

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The opening half offered few chances as both teams adopted a cautious approach. Kenya’s Ben Stanley Omondi and Madagascar’s Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa tried speculative long-range efforts, but neither goalkeeper was troubled. Much of the play was confined to midfield battles, and the sides went into the break locked at 0-0.

Kenya strikes first, Madagascar hits back

The game burst into life three minutes after the restart. Boniface Muchiri delivered a stunning overhead free kick from outside the box, which Alphonse Omija met with a superb header to put Kenya 1-0 ahead, sparking wild celebrations.

Moments later, Ryan Ogam appeared to double the lead, but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened, ruling out the goal for a foul in the build-up.

Madagascar stayed composed and found their equaliser in the 70th minute. A handball by Lewis Bandi gifted them a penalty, which Fenihasima Gilles Razafimaro calmly converted to make it 1-1.

McCarthy responded with tactical changes, handing a debut to teenage sensation Austin “Musa” Odongo, alongside Edward Omondi. Later, Siraj Mohammed and Massoud Juma were introduced to add attacking impetus. Despite their efforts, Kenya could not find a winner in extra time, and penalties decided the tie.

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Madagascar hold nerve, Kenya earn millions

In the shootout, Madagascar converted four of their five spot kicks, while Kenya faltered. Omija and Kibwage missed their efforts, ending the Harambee Stars’ fairytale journey heartbreakingly.

Despite the disappointment, Kenya will still pocket $450,000 as quarter-finalists, in addition to the funds they earned in the group stages. President William Ruto had also pledged significant rewards for their earlier victories, meaning the players will leave the tournament with millions in prize money.

Heartbreak for Kenya as Madagascar End CHAN Fairytale Run
Heartbreak for Kenya as Madagascar End CHAN Fairytale Run
Source: Instagram

Benni McCarthy’s reaction

After the match, McCarthy praised his players’ fighting spirit and saluted Madagascar’s quality.

“It was a really tough contest, and losing on penalties is a painful way to exit. Full credit to Madagascar for keeping their cool, they earned their place in the semifinals. For us, the focus now is on continuing to build a stronger national team and making sure we don’t suffer this kind of disappointment again,” he said.

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“I can only feel proud of my players because they gave me everything out there. We knew it would be a difficult game, but what stood out was how sharp Madagascar were with their movement off the ball. Congratulations to them for reaching the semis, to come here and play at that level was truly impressive.”

McCarthy makes honest admission about Kenya's WC hopes

Briefly News also reported that Benni McCarthy made an honest admission about the Harambee Stars' chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which would be hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.

The former Pirates star cited the points gap and early setbacks in the qualifying series as some of the challenges.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Ncube Harrison avatar

Ncube Harrison (Sports Editor) Harrison Ncube is a passionate sports journalist with six years of experience covering African and global sports. Harrison provides sharp analysis, engaging commentary, and compelling storytelling. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from the Zimbabwe Open University and previously worked at Sports Buzz (2018–2022), freelanced for Sports Journal (2023–2024), and contributed to Radio 54 African Panorama Live (2021–2023). For inquiries, reach him at ncube.harrison@briefly.co.za