CHAN2024: Harambee Stars' possible quarters opponents confirmed as Group B action concludes
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 16.08.25. | 22:26
With Group B matches now over, Harambee Stars now know their quarter-final opponents ahead of the final Group A matches
Madagascar have confirmed their place in the quarter finals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after sealing second spot in Group B with a 2-1 win over Burkina Faso.
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Berea qualified by virtue of a superior goal difference, having tied on seven points and square on head-to-head record with Mauritania, who will now exit the tournament.
Madagascar will now face the winner in Group A, a position currently held by Kenya, in the first quarter finals match scheduled for Friday, 22 August at the Moi International Sports Stadium, Kasarani from 1700 hrs.
Knowing the importance of the match, Madagascar started on the front foot and got an immediate reward.
Midfielder Fenohasina Razafimaro broke the deadlock in the seventh minute after being put through on goal by Lalaina Claver to take them second on the live standings.
The Stallions of Burkina Faso tried to provide an immediate riposte, but Madagascar seemed to be the better side in those early stages.
Burkina Faso, who kept growing in the match, would then get a foul in the 23rd minute, but the free kick was wasted as Madagascar were able to clear their lines.
However, in the 25th minute, Burkina Faso were not to be denied and found the back of the net for an equaliser.
From a long ball switched to the right side, the overlapping Hanaby Sagne brilliantly crossed it first time to find Souleymane Sangare, who fired a powerful header past a hapless Michel Ramandimbisoa in the Madagascar goal.
Fired by the goal, Burkina Faso almost doubled their lead two minutes later, but Michel pulled a fingertip save on his right post to direct a Cedric Baro shot for a corner.
Madagascar were then forced into a substitution in the 34th minute, as Rayan Rajaonarivelo was brought in for Jean Ranaivoson in a bid to turn the tables.
The Stallions once again missed a chance to double their lead in the 37th minute as Michel made a reflex double save to deny Sangare in the first instance and Sagne, who tried to score from the rebound, to ensure it was all square at halftime.
Madagascar returned to the second half a much rejuvenated side, perhaps boosted by coach Romuald Rakotondrabe's half-time talk.
The Barea’s second-half breakthrough came in the 59th minute when their star Lalaina Clever sent Burkinabé goalkeeper Moussa Traore the wrong way from the spot following a foul on Razafimaro by The Stallions in the box.
Burkina Faso almost scored in the 67th minute, but Michel made a brilliant save from a shot outside the box to once again save Madagascar’s blushes.
The Stallions kept pushing for an equaliser, but Madagascar were able to hold on to their lead by defending deep in their half throughout the match.
The team also had veteran goalkeeper Michel to thank for making numerous saves that were able to secure all three points.
C.A.R 0-0 Tanzania
In the other match of the day, the Central African Republic held Tanzania to a goalless draw to not only gain their first point in the tournament but also spoil Tanzania's chances of having a 100% record in the group stage.
Taifa Stars, who had already sealed the first position in Group B before the match, will host the runner-up in Group A in the second quarter-final match.
With Group B matches now over, Harambee Stars now know their quarter-final opponents ahead of the final Group A matches.
Should Kenya maintain their first position, they will face Madagascar in the quarter finals on Friday, 22 August at the Kasarani Stadium.
On the same note, a second-place spot will earn them an East Africa derby with Tanzania on the same day at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
Kenya's fate therefore lies in their own hands as the Benny McCarthy-coached side prepares to take on bottom-placed Zambia in the last group match on Sunday, 17 August at Kasarani Stadium from 1500 hrs.
