Kenya brace for tough Madagascar test in CHAN quarterfinals

Kenya’s fairy-tale run in their debut African Nations Championship (CHAN) faces its sternest test yet when they clash with Madagascar in the quarterfinals at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Friday, August 22.

Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars topped Group ‘A’ unbeaten after edging Zambia 1–0 in their final group match. But history shows that Madagascar’s Barea are no strangers to upsetting giants.

The two sides have met once before — an international friendly on June 7, 2019 — where Kenya triumphed 1–0 courtesy of a 64th-minute Victor Wanyama penalty. Friday’s showdown offers Kenya the chance to build on that record — or risk surrendering the edge.

Ranked 115th by FIFA, just six places below Kenya (109), Madagascar arrive with pedigree and resilience. Their group-stage journey was far from straightforward: a 1–1 draw against Mauritania despite playing a man down, followed by a 2–1 loss to co-hosts Tanzania. With their campaign on the brink, they bounced back, defeating the Central African Republic 2–0 before sealing qualification with a dramatic 2–1 victory over Burkina Faso. That result secured second place in Group ‘B’, behind unbeaten Tanzania.

Madagascar’s strength lies in its tactical discipline under coach Romuald “Rôro” Rakotondrabe, who also guided them to a historic bronze medal in 2022 with a 1–0 victory over Niger. Known for deploying a fluid, attacking 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 system, his side thrives on quick transitions and relentless pressing.

Key performers include forward John Christiano Razafimanana, whose pace and finishing tormented Eswatini during qualifiers, and midfielder Nomena Lalaina, already on two goals in this tournament. Veteran goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa — nicknamed after Italian legend Francesco Toldo — has been equally influential, scooping back-to-back man-of-the-match awards.

With a squad blending youthful talents like 22-year-old Andy Rakotondrajoa and experienced leaders such as the 39-year-old Ramandimbisoa, Madagascar remain both unpredictable and dangerous.

For Kenya, the challenge will be to maintain the tactical discipline and composure that have defined their unbeaten run. A win would not only secure a historic semi-final spot but also cement McCarthy’s Harambee Stars as genuine contenders in Africa’s second-tier tournament.