Madagascar coach Romuald Rakotondrabe has hinted at a key strength that could trouble Harambee Stars in their CHAN 2024 quarterfinal clash.

Madagascar continues to build its reputation as a rising force in African football, and as the nation gears up to face off against Harambee Stars on Friday, August 22, they have a point to prove.

A hard-fought 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso at the Amaan Stadium on Saturday night saw the Barea book their place in the quarter-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, their second consecutive appearance in the knockout stage.

While Burkina Faso were already eliminated and playing for pride, Madagascar carried the weight of expectation. A win was the only result that could guarantee their progress, and they delivered with courage, composure, and a touch of brilliance.

Head coach Romuald Rakotondrabe was full of praise for his players after the final whistle, as he hinted at something that Harambee Stars might find difficult as they go up against them.

Harambee Stars won their final group stage match against Zambia, topping the table with 10 points and they will have to get a win over Madagascar to proceed to the semifinal.

“We won the game, but it wasn’t straightforward at all,” the coach said as per CAF Online. “Fortunately, we scored two goals, but the game was very difficult. Our players played with character and a will to continue in this competition.”

Group B was also not a walk in the park, as Madagascar faced Tanzania, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic and Mauritania. Rakotondrabe did not fail to pay tribute to the high standards in Group B.

Madagascar started in the best possible way when Fenohasina Razafimaro struck a thunderous long-range effort in the seventh minute.

But Burkina Faso responded, with Souleymane Sangaré heading home from a pinpoint Hanaby Sagné cross in the 25th minute.

The turning point came midway through the second half. A clumsy challenge by Sagné inside the box left the referee with no choice but to award a penalty. Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa converted calmly to seal the 2-1 win that carried the Barea into the last eight.

“There is no team in our group that didn’t deserve to qualify. I doff my hat to all the teams in our group for the high level of football they exhibited,” he added.

“The result doesn’t reflect the reality of the match, but I can assure you it was very difficult, especially in the last 15 minutes.

“Emotionally, it was very difficult, but our players played with pride and a desire to defend our country. This edition’s format of five teams in a group makes it really difficult to progress.”

Harambee Stars, on their part, were in Group A, the ‘Group of Death’, and they managed to top the group with 10 points ahead of Morocco, who had nine.

They started their campaign with a win over DR Congo before holding Angola to a 1-1 draw. Harambee Stars continued their momentum with a 1-0 win over Morocco before rounding up their campaign with a triumph over Zambia.

Madagascar’s journey continues with a quarter-final clash against Harambee Stars. With their battling display in Zanzibar, the Barea have shown they will not be an easy opponent in the knockout stages.

Their second consecutive CHAN quarter-final appearance cements their growing reputation and underlines a determination that has made them one of the stories of the tournament.