PREVIEW: Harambee Stars aiming to extend unbeaten CHAN record against Madagascar
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 22.08.25. | 09:18
Even more improbable was remaining unbeaten on their debut in the tourney by getting past Morocco, DR Congo and Zambia, coupled with a draw while a man down against Angola
An unbeaten Harambee Stars backed by vociferous fans will be out to etch their name into football folklore when they come up against Madagascar in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter finals on Friday, 22 August.
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Kenya did the unthinkable by topping a pool christened by many as the ‘Group of Death’ that included joint record champions Morocco and DR Congo alongside Angola and Zambia.
Even more improbable was remaining unbeaten on their debut in the tourney by getting past Morocco, DR Congo and Zambia, coupled with a draw while a man down against Angola.
Benni McCarthy’s hallmark of success has been his sturdy defense, which has so far just soaked in one goal, against Angola, which leaves them with the joint best defensive record in the tournament thus far.
Having been devoid of the attracting threat of Moses Shumah, Emmanuel Osoro, and Mohammed Babajer, who joined Zambian champions Power Dynamos and Simbas SC, respectively, just before the tournament, goals have still been aplenty.
Harambee Stars have scored in every game, with Gor Mahia’s stalwart Austin Odhiambo and Tusker’s Ryan Ogam currently having two goals apiece, but Kenya have yet to score more than a goal in a game.
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Kenya cannot afford to have on-field discipline issues that have marred their group stage matches creep in when they face Madagascar after being handed two red cards against Morocco and Angola.
It is no secret that Harambee Stars have been spurred on by a raucous and partisan crowd and will be delighted to have sealed a home quarter-final tie after finishing as group winners.
The two sides have met 10 times before, with Harambee Stars and Madagascar claiming four wins each, while a draw has been recorded twice.
Their first ever meeting came back in May 1972 when Kenya suffered a 3-1 loss in a friendly encounter with the last meeting being in June 2019 in another friendly that Kenya won courtesy of Victor Wanyama's penalty.
Madagascar, on the other hand, have posted a mixed tournament that saw them start with a barren draw against Mauritania coupled with a 2-1 loss to co-hosts Tanzania.
Romuald Rakotondrabe’s men, however, steadied their ship with wins over the Central African Republic and Burkina Faso to book their place in the last eight.
The Islanders will be once again looking to 39-year-old goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa for inspiration after being named Man of the Match three times - the highest in the tournament for far.
The game is slated for a 5 PM kickoff, with fans able to catch the game live on KBC and Supersport.
