TACTICAL ANALYSIS: 7 ways Harambee Stars can beat Madagascar in CHAN quarterfinals

Harambee Stars are on the cusp of history as they seek to extend their unbeaten run in their debut African Nations Championship (CHAN) when they face Madagascar in the quarter finals on Friday, 22 August.

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The much-anticipated clash is slated for a 5 PM (EAT) kick-off at the Kasarani Stadium, with Mozzart Sport shining a spotlight on Kenya's opponents of the day, Madagascar.

1. Route to the Quarterfinals

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Madagascar reached the CHAN 2024 quarterfinals after a mixed group stage performance that demonstrated both resilience and growing cohesion:

● 0–0 vs Mauritania – held out for a point despite going down to 10 men.

● 1–2 loss to co-host Tanzania – exposed defensively, especially in their left wide area.

● 2–0 win over Central African Republic – dominant and disciplined display.

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● 2–1 win over Burkina Faso – clinched quarterfinal spot with a good, attacking performance.

Their response after early setbacks shows tactical adaptability and mental resilience. However, defensive cracks were visible under pressure, especially against more dynamic attacking sides like Tanzania and Burkina Faso.

2. Build-Up Play & Team Progression

Madagascar prefers a controlled, possession-based build-up, aiming to bait the press before progressing. Their centre-backs split wide while two pivot midfielders-Monitrisa and Mamisoa, usually drop deep to form a temporary back four, aiding circulation and pressure resistance.

● Shape in Build-Up: often a 2+2 structure with CBs and pivots, encouraging short passes and central progression.

● Progression Routes: use short passes through the half-spaces before switching diagonally to wide areas.

● Full-backs: provide width; Rabemanjara (RB) pushes high, overlapping regularly, while Bono (LB) is more alert and conservative.

● Passing Style: not overly direct, but favours deliberate ball circulation with quick combinations to create overloads.

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They aim to draw the opposition out of shape and then exploit spaces behind, especially on the right.

3. Attacking Approach

Madagascar excels when transitioning quickly, especially down the flanks. Their attacks are fluid, relying on interchanging movement and overloads.

● Key Transitions: after winning the ball high, they counter swiftly using Luc (RW) frequently as the main outlet.

● Forward Movement: Fenohasimana (CF) drops deep to combine with midfield, disrupting defensive lines.

● Flank Overloads: frequently create 2v1/3v2 situations.

● Creativity: central players like Dax (#10) and Lalaina (#8) offer incisive passing and vision; Mamisoa (#25) can strike from range.

● Shooting Tendencies: They are comfortable with long shots, sometimes prematurely, at the expense of better positions.

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4. Defensive Shape & Transitions

Madagascar is generally compact without the ball but has several phase-specific behaviours:

● Midblock: Their default setup is a 4-1-4-1 block, to deny central space.

● Marking Tactics: In their 4-1-4-1 variations, the forward player triggers pressing while the sole midfielder tracks creative threats tightly.

● High Press: deployed situationally, especially when sensing indecisiveness from opposition centre-backs.

● Aerial Duels: solid in direct headers, particularly with their centre-backs - but less effective on second balls after wide clearances.

● Rest Defense: often just two players hold position behind the ball in attacking corners, leaving space for quick counters if possession is lost.

Madagascar’s compact 4-1-4-1 shape out of possession, designed to block central lanes and control midfield spaces.

Madagascar’s compact 4-1-4-1 shape out of possession, designed to block central lanes and control midfield spaces.

Madagascar’s 4-1-4-1 defensive shape with a high line: back four steps up aggressively to compress space, aiming to catch opponents offside and limit time on the ball in advanced areas.

Madagascar’s 4-1-4-1 defensive shape with a high line: Back four steps up aggressively to compress space, aiming to catch opponents offside and limit time on the ball in advanced areas.

Madagascar’s 4-1-4-1 OOP shape: the lone forward initiates the press while the holding midfielder tightly marks creative threats, where they ensure central congestion and disrupt opposition build-up in different phases of play.

Madagascar’s 4-1-4-1 OOP shape: The lone forward initiates the press while the holding midfielder tightly marks creative threats, where they ensure central congestion and disrupt opposition build-up in different phases of play.

5. Set Pieces – Attack & Defense

Attacking:

● Often use short corners and rehearsed free-kick routines.

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● Aim to pull markers out before exploiting back-post or central gaps.

Defending:

● Use a hybrid man-zonal system on corners.

● Vulnerable to late runners, especially from deep positions or at the back post.

● On free-kicks near the box, they rely on tight man-marking, which can be bypassed with clever movement or quick combinations.

6. Key Players

Player: #10 Dax

Role: Captain, CM/AM

Strengths: Vision, passing range, dictates tempo

Player: #6 Monitrisa

Role: Pivot/Deep Midfielder

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Strengths: Build-up play, tactical discipline

Player: Mamisoa

Role: Pivot/CM

Strengths: Long-range shooting, composure under pressure

Player: #8 Lalaina

Role: Attacking Midfielder

Strengths: Creativity, final-third passing

Player: Luc

Role: Right Winger

Strengths: Speed, directness, 1v1 threat

Player: Fenohasimana

Role: Striker

Strengths: Movement, dropping deep, link-up play, finishing

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Player: Toldo

Role: Goalkeeper

Strengths: Reflexes, shot-stopping, confident distribution

7. Common Patterns & Vulnerabilities

● Patient build-up invites pressing – can be disrupted with an aggressive, organised high press.

● High defensive line – susceptible to well-timed runs and through balls.

● Their right flank is defensively fragile – space opens behind when RB joins attacks.

● Struggle with second balls – especially after dealing with aerial or long clearances.

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● Set-piece defense is inconsistent – hybrid system allows for exploitation by deep runs and flick-ons.

● Defensive disorganisation during cutbacks – especially when defenders are dragged into the box.

8. How Kenya Can Exploit Madagascar

a) Quick Wide Transitions

● Exploit spaces behind the right-back, especially on the counter.

● Use cutbacks to midfield runners arriving late.

b) High Press in Build-Up

● Apply aggressive pressing on Madagascar’s centre-backs and pivots to force early errors.

c) Target Second Balls

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● Prepare for aerial battles followed by quick reactions to loose balls in wide zones.

d) Set-Piece Precision

● Use rehearsed corner routines, such as near-post flicks or back-post surges to beat their marking scheme.

e) Central Penetration + Wide Switch

● Attract their midfield in centrally and then shift wide to isolate full-backs.

f) Defensive Compactness vs Overloads

● Stay compact and coordinate movement to deny their wide overloads, especially down the right.

g) Physicality & Tempo

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● Push the pace to tire them out, especially exploiting the gaps in their rest defense.

9. Historical Context – Kenya vs Madagascar

● Last Meeting: 7 June 2019 – Kenya won 1–0 via Victor Wanyama’s penalty (friendly match).

● Current Squad Connection: Only Abud Omar from that starting lineup remains part of Kenya’s CHAN 2024 squad.

● Head-to-Head Record:

○ Played: 11

○ Kenya Wins: 4

○ Draws: 2

○ Madagascar Wins: 5

While Madagascar edges the overall record, Kenya's recent victory and current form present a realistic opportunity to even the tally in a competitive fixture.

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10. Summary

Madagascar is a tactically mature side with positional discipline, aerial presence, and creative play through midfield. They thrive on wide overloads and deliberate build-up but leave exploitable gaps in transitions, set-piece defence, and behind their high line - particularly on the right.

Kenya’s best chances lie in:

● Exploiting the right flank in transition

● Winning second balls after clearances

● Neutralising their midfielders (Dax, Mamisoa, Lalaina)

With tactical discipline and physical intensity, Kenya can unsettle Madagascar and earn a path to the CHAN 2024 semifinals.