CHAN2024: 6 battles likely to decide winner of Kenya vs Madagascar clash
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Reading Time: 4min | Fri. 22.08.25. | 11:14
Mozzart Sport takes a look at six battles that will determine which team books a place in the last four
Ahead of the highly anticipated first 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter finals, there will be battles throughout the pitch and on the dugout when Kenya face Madagascar, with six of them likely to decide the winner of the duel.
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Kenya qualified for the last eight after finishing on top of Group A, while their opponents secured second position in Group B.
Harambee Stars, who are making their debut in the tournament, will be keen to create more history by booking a place in the semi-final, while Madagascar are angling to once again compete in the last four as they did in the 2022 edition.
Mozzart Sport takes a look at six battles that will determine which team books a place in the last four.
Michel Ramandimbisoa vs Byrne Omondi
Madagascar goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa has undoubtedly been the most impressive custodian since the start of the tournament.
Michel was an integral figure in ensuring Madagascar qualified for the quarter finals and was rewarded with three Man of the Match trophies out of the team's four group stage matches.
The 39-year-old will once again be relied on by his country to produce a masterclass performance at Kasarani.
On the opposite side, Byrne Omondi has been an assuring figure in the Kenyan goal and has won one Man of the Match trophy; in Kenya's historic 1-0 win over Morocco.
After sitting out of the 1-0 win over Morocco, Omondi is expected to make a return to the starting 11 against Madagascar.
The two custodians will most likely influence which team books the first semi-final slot.
Rafanomezantsoa Lalaina Cliver vs Alpha Onyango
The battle to control the midfield will see Madagascar's star Lalaina Cliver battle out with Alpha Chris Onyango.
Each of the two players will be tasked by their respective teams to take control of the midfield and dictate the tempo of the match.
Both Cliver and Onyango are good and calm on the ball, but will be under pressure to deliver for their teams in the Friday evening clash.
The winner of this battle is most likely to also be on the winning team.
Andy Rakotondrajoa vs Austin Odhiambo
Still in midfield, the battle between Andy Rakotondrajoa and Austin Odhiambo will also have a big influence on the match.
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Odhiambo is Kenya's most creative player and the most probable source if Kenya is to score a goal, and will be keen to find the spaces between the lines in which he can affect the game for his side.
Andy, on the other hand, will be tasked with screening the Gor Mahia midfielder and must keep a keen eye on him if he is to succeed in his venture.
Nantenaoza Randriamanapisoa vs Ryan Ogam
Still on Kenya's attack, Ryan Ogam will be the main man tasked with leading the line and scoring goals for Kenya.
The 19-year-old has been in great form for Kenya in their last two matches, clinically scoring the match winners in both and helping his side to reach the last eight.
Ogam, who spent a lengthy time on the sidelines with injury prior to the tournament, seems to have found his form and was identified by Madagascar coach Rakotondrabe as the main threat for Kenya.
However, the Tusker FC man must first overcome Nantenaoza at the heart of Madagascar's defense if he is to have an impact on the game.
Nantenaoza had been the constant figure in Madagascar's defense, handling lethal strikers and will have Ogam for Friday evening’s headache.
Fenohasina Razafimaro vs Michael Kibwage
Madagascar's attack will mainly lie on the shoulders of Fenohasina Razafimaro, who has one goal to his name in the tournament.
However, the 26-year-old will be up against one of the tournament’s best defenses and one of the most solid centre-backs in Michael Kibwage.
The Tusker FC defender came on as a substitute in Kenya's first two matches, producing solid and assured performances that earned him starting berths in Kenya's next two matches.
In fact, Kenya is yet to concede a goal with Kibwage on the pitch, and he will be expected to maintain that record against Madagascar.
Benni McCarthy vs Romuald Felix Rakotondrabe
The most crucial battle will once again happen on the touchline as experienced Romuald of Madagascar faces off with the adaptive Benni McCarthy for Kenya.
McCarthy had proven his worth in the tournament and led Kenya to top the ‘group of death’ in a remarkable manner.
The South African will once again be tasked with producing another tactical masterclass, with Kenyans drawing confidence from the fact that he said he has studied his opponents' strengths and weaknesses and has a solution for each.
Rakotondrabe, on the other hand, said that his team's unity, which took them to the quarter final, will be the drive to the last four.
In the end, the winner of the majority of these battles will most likely carry the day.
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