CHAN: Rakotondrabe admits Madagascar will face difficult task against Kenya

Madagascar coach Romuald Felix Rakotondrabe has admitted they will face a tough task against Kenya in the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies African Nations (CHAN) at Kasarani Stadium on Friday

The Barea are not new in this stage of the CHAN having qualified from the last eight in the 2022 edition and went ahead to clinch bronze medal. According to Rakotondrabe the 2022 achievement will give them the confidence to come up against Kenya.

“We’re here because of hard work, and facing Kenya at home will be tough. But that motivates us even more,” Rakotondrabe said. “Kenya are strong technically and tactically, very compact and quick in transition. It won’t be easy, but this is a quarterfinal — anything can happen, even away from home.”

Madagascar forward Nantenaina ‘Tony’ Elysee Randriamanampiso echoed this coach’s sentiments by saying: “We know it will be a difficult atmosphere with the fans behind Kenya, but we see it as motivation. Our focus is to win and continue making history.”

While Kenya have thrived on home soil, Madagascar will need to adapt after playing all their group matches in Dar es Salaam.nMeanwhile, Kenya will arrive unbeaten after four matches at Kasarani, collecting 10 points through three wins and a draw.