CHAN: McCarthy reveals what gives Kenya confidence against Madagascar

Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy has revealed why he is confident of getting victory when they face Madagascar in their quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies African Nations (CHAN) 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.

“This is a massive occasion not just for the players and coaches, but for the country as well,” McCarthy told reporters ahead of the last eight fixture.

“None of these players has ever been at this stage before, so the most important thing is to stay calm and not let the weight of the moment overwhelm us.”

The South African legend added: “We know we’re up against a tough opponent. But if you look at the opposition we faced in our group, it wasn’t easy either. That gives us confidence.

“We’ve studied Madagascar well and we have a plan. Our focus is to take the game step by step, stay disciplined, and give our best.”

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.