CHAN: Madagascar stun co-hosts Kenya in penalty shootout

CHAN: Madagascar stun co-hosts Kenya in penalty shootout

CHAN: Madagascar stun co-hosts Kenya in penalty shootout

2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) co-hosts Kenya were left shocked on Thursday as the Harambee Stars fell in a penalty shootout to Madagascar in the opening quarterfinal game played at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi. The Barea came back from a goal down to equalize and send the Harambee Stars out after Kenya defender Alphonce Omija sent his spot kick wide.

Madagascar began the game under siege and were forced into a defensive shell for the first half. However, the Kenyan attack lacked sophistication and the Malagasy defense was able to repel the hosts while goalkeeper Michel “Toldo” Ramandimbisoa remained sharp.

Two halftime substitutions from Madagascar coach Romauld Rakotondrabe signaled a more attacking approach but within three minutes, the Harambee Stars snatched the lead. After drawing a foul on the right wing in the 48th minute, Boniface Muchiri whipped in a free kick to find defender Alphonce Omija who powered his header past Toldo to send the home support into a frenzy.

But Madagascar responded when Kenya failed to clear a cross and Heriniaina “Toky” Randrianirini’s hopeful long range effort went off the arm of Kenya defender Lewis Esambe Bandi. A penalty kick was awarded with little dispute and Barea poacher Fenohasina Razafimaro fired his spot kick past Kenya keeper Bryne Omondi.

Kenya continued to struggle against the organized defense of their opponents and extra time was required after ninety minutes. Both teams had opportunities with Omondi denying Razafimaro from close range before Radoniaina Rabemananjara’s goal line clearance kept Kenya from retaking the lead. Level after extra time, the match went to penalties.

Madagascar now await the winner of Saturday’s quarterfinal clash between Sudan and Algeria, with the semifinal set to take place Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Thursday’s later quarterfinal will feature co-hosts Tanzania against Morocco momentarily.

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