CHAN: Kenya have what it takes to beat Madagascar – Wanyama

Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has backed the national team to progress to the semifinals of the TotalEnergies African Nations (CHAN) ahead of Madagascar when the two sides face off in the quarterfinals at Kasarani Stadium on Friday.

While Harambee Stars topped Group A with 10 points to reach the knockout stages, Madagascar finished second in Group B with seven points to qualify.

“Under a great coach, Kenya has brought together a very good team – a team that was assembled in a very short time but they have looked so good together and very well prepared,” Wanyama noted as quoted by CAFOnline.com. “They should keep believing they can do something special, especially that they are playing at home.

“The team has everything it takes to be victorious. They have a good coach who knows how to win things because he has been there and done that.”

On Kenya hosting the CHAN, Wanyama said: “It means a lot for Kenya to host and play at this CHAN. We have seen proper infrastructure being developed, good coaching and good players who are doing something for the country.

“With good pitches, you see the kind of football we can play. CHAN has given us an opportunity to improve our facilities and now I am sure we will see more players because of the beautiful surfaces they have to play in. Hosting this tournament will change the national team and Kenyan football at large.”

He added: “Even the way fans have embraced the national team shows a new level of belief. With quality pitches and strong leagues, our football will rise to greater heights.”

This will be Kenya’s third meeting with a COSAFA member nation at CHAN after a 1-1 draw with Angola and a 1-0 win over Zambia in the group stage.

For Madagascar, they will be facing a host nation for the second time, having lost 2-1 to Tanzania earlier in the group stages. It will also be Madagascar’s third meeting with East African opposition after beating Sudan 3-0 in 2022 and losing to Tanzania this year.