CHAN 2024: A look at Harambee Stars' quarter-final opponents

Kenya's near unthinkable journey through their maiden African Nations Championships (CHAN) showed no signs of stopping following their latest win against Zambia on Sunday, 17 August.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News

Tusker striker Ryan Ogam came up with a big strike late midway through the second-half to secure all the three points for Kenya, a result that meant Kenya topped their group - Group A - and entered the knockout phase unbeaten.

CHAN2024: Ryan Ogam's strike sends Kenya past Zambia and top of Group A

A win over Avram Grant’s men also secured Harambee Stars the luxury of playing the quarter finals at home, where they will need their boisterous support to keep their dream run in the tournament going.

In this piece, we look at Kenya’s next opponents - Madagascar - who will attempt to do the hard job of knocking out the hosts in a do-or-die clash scheduled for Friday, 22 August.

Nicknamed The Barea, Madagascar, unlike Kenya who are in their debut CHAN championships, are making their second appearance in their tournament, having played in 2022, where they remarkably won bronze.

Then, they lost 1-0 in the semifinals to eventual champions Senegal.

PLAYER RATINGS: Ogam, Kibwage stand out as Harambee Stars stop Zambia

This year’s team carries some remnants of that historic squad, including notable names like midfielder Patrick Hasinirina, Tony Randriamanampisoa, goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa, and Nomena Lalaina.

Also part of that squad was 60-year-old Romuald Rakotondrabe, who served as coach then, and is the man also behind the team’s run in the tournament this year, which began way back in the qualifiers, when Madagascar beat Eswatini 2-1 on aggregate to advance.

©CAF Online

With a mix in age-groups - spanning from emerging youngsters like 22-year-old Andy Rakotondrajoa and their 39-year-old goalkeeper Ramandimbisoa - Madagascar have shown of being capable of challenging Africa’s best, as seen two years ago.

Run at 2024 CHAN

Their run in this year’s championships began with a valiant draw against Mauritania on August 3, despite being a man down from the 39th minute.

Their second game saw them lose 2-1 to co-hosts Tanzania - which is their only loss thus far.

Playing for survival, The Barea turned on the screws late in their third match against Central African Republic, winning by 2-0, to take their fight for the knockouts to the last game against Burkina Faso.

There, they needed a combination of resilience and VAR intervention to fend off the Stallions, winning 2-1 to finish second in Group B behind unbeaten leaders Tanzania.

Their journey, which has seen Lalaina score twice thus far, has also stamped the high status of their goalkeeper nicknamed after the legendary Francesco Toldo, who has scooped two straight man-of-the-match awards, and keeps inspiring the Barea to higher heights.

FIFA Ranking

In regards FIFA rankings, Madagascar are ranked just six places behind Kenya (109) in 115th.

CHAN2024: Millions each Harambee Stars player has earned so far after quarters qualification

Head-to–head

On head-to-head, Madagascar hold the edge over Kenya, having won five of 11 matches recorded, with Kenya winning four times, and two ending in draws.

Their latest duel came in an international friendly on 7 June 2019, when former Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama scored a penalty to secure a 1-0 win over the Islanders.

Come Friday, a chance for Benni McCarthy’s impressive men to level the win total, or go further behind.