CHAN: McCarthy stays positive despite exit after Madagascar defeat

Kenya national team coach Benni McCarthy put on a brave face after Kenya’s dream run at the debut TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) ended in heartbreak as Madagascar held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to reach the semifinals at Kasarani Stadium on Friday.

Despite being pushed by a sold-out crowd, Hrambee Stars produced a tense 1-1 draw across 120 minutes, before Madagascar prevailed 4-3 on spot-kicks, with Toky Rakotondraibe converting the decisive penalty after Alphonce Omija missed for the hosts.

“Nothing but proud of what we achieved. The players gave everything every single day in training and every match,” McCarthy said after the game as quoted by CAFOnline.com. “It was really good but football is like that, the lottery of penalties sometimes doesn’t go your way.

“It is a bit tough to go out this way. We expected a tough game but didn’t expect them to be this way. Their movement off the ball was great. I want to congratulate Madagascar for their passage to the semis.

“If you come to Kenya and can perform at such a stage with the fans and the noise, they deserve huge credit for having nerves of steel, especially in the penalty shootout.”

On the missed opportunities, McCarthy said: “It could have been anyone’s game. We are fairly open disappointed we couldn’t take the chances we had. When you miss your chances at the end of the day you are punished.”

He added: “The fans have been incredible and pushed us really much. Kenyan football is on the up, the talent we saw over this CHAN tournament has been immense. Everyone should be proud. We feel disappointed now but when you look back and see what we achieved topping the toughest group, today was just one hurdle too many.”

Kenya arrived unbeaten from the group stage, topping a pool that included former champions Morocco and DR Congo.