Harambee Stars crash out of CHAN after penalty heartbreak against Madagascar

Kenya’s journey at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) came to a cruel and dramatic end after being edged out 4-3 on penalties by Madagascar in a fiercely contested quarterfinal clash.

Despite a spirited performance filled with attacking intent and defensive resilience, the Harambee Stars fell short in the decisive shootout, bowing out of the competition in heartbreak.

The match began at a blistering pace, with Kenya immediately stamping their authority.

Captain Aboud Omar tested the Madagascan goalkeeper Michel Toldo early on with a powerful volley, while Ryan Ogam and Marvin Nabwire kept the Islander’s defence on high alert.

Despite Kenya’s early dominance, Madagascar remained dangerous on the counter, forcing Byrne Omondi into sharp interventions to keep the scoreline level.

LIVE BLOG: Harambee Stars eliminated on penalties by Madagascar after tense CHAN Quarterfinal

After a goalless first half, the breakthrough came almost instantly after the restart.

Defender Alphonce Omija rose highest to meet a precise delivery from Boniface Muchiri, thundering home a header that gave Kenya the lead and sent the Stars’ supporters into raptures. It was the reward their enterprising play had deserved.

Kenya nearly doubled their advantage moments later when Ogam had the ball in the net, only for the referee to rule it out for a foul in the build-up. That disallowed effort would prove costly, as Madagascar regrouped and forced their way back into the contest.

In the 65th minute, a handball inside the Kenyan box handed Madagascar a lifeline.

Forward Fenoh Gilles stepped up and coolly converted from the spot, levelling the score at 1-1 in the 69th minute.

The Harambee Stars responded with renewed urgency, pressing high and creating a series of golden opportunities.

Nabwire’s header narrowly cleared the crossbar, while substitute Austin Odongo’s glancing effort brushed past the post.

Nabwire then came agonisingly close late on, rounding the goalkeeper only to see his effort rebound off the woodwork.

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As time ticked away, Kenya threw everything forward, but resolute defending and a touch of misfortune kept the scoreline level.

Extra time produced more drama, with both sides trading chances in a tense affair. Michael Kibwage had an effort cleared off the line, while Siraj Mohammed and Odongo were both denied by Madagascar’s inspired defence.

The final whistle of extra time confirmed what many feared, penalties would be required to separate the two sides.

The shootout was a rollercoaster of emotions.

Madagascar captain Nantenaina Elyse set the tone with a composed finish, but Kenya responded as Siraj Mohammed and Daniel Sakari both converted confidently.

When Omondi produced a brilliant save to deny Toky, Kenya seemed destined for victory, with Sylvester Owino’s conversion putting them on the brink.

But the game turned in heartbreaking fashion.

Michael Kibwage’s penalty was brilliantly saved, and with the pressure mounting, Omija, the hero of normal time, saw his effort miss the target, leaving the Harambee Stars crestfallen, and the Barea through to another semifinal.

Madagascar will now wait to know their opponents for the semi-finals clash in winner between Sudan and Algeria.