Kenya eliminated from CHAN 2024 after 1-1 draw with Madagascar, losing on penalties at Kasarani despite Omija’s goal.

African Nations Championship co-hosts Kenya were eliminated by Madagascar at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani in dramatic circumstances after losing 4-3 on post-match penalties in the quarterfinal.

The match finished 1-1 after extra time, with Alphonce Omija on target for Kenya, while Fenohasina Razafimaharo equalised for Madagascar from the penalty spot.

Madagascar will go on to face winner between Sudan and Algeria in the first semifinal, set to be played at Mandela National Stadium on Tuesday, August 26.

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From the first whistle  McCarthy’s men were on the front foot dictating the tempo and pinning the visitors deep into their own half.

The South African tactician made four changes to his side, with Bryne Omondi restored in goal, Alphonse Omija partnering Michael Kibwage in central defense and Suleiman Manzur and Boniface Muchiri both returning to the starting XI.

The big talking point before kickoff was the omission of Sylvester Owino, whose ever-present run through CHAN finally came to an end.

Joint top scorer Austin Odhiambo was also left on the bench, as he had been against Morocco. Even without them, Kenya looked sharp.

Muchiri, full of running on the flank, repeatedly stretched Madagascar’s back line, while Lewis Bandi and Marvin Nabwire recycled possession to keep the pressure constant.

The Stars carved out promising moments with Ben Stanley Omondi almost linking up with Ryan Ogam inside the box only for Malagasy keeper Ramandimbisoa Michel to read the danger and collect bravely. At the other end, Madagascar offered little.

Isolated striker Jean Luc Rakotson was comfortably marshaled by Kibwage and Omija, who snuffed out the few forays forward.

Kenya were clearly in the ascendancy, forcing their opponents onto the back foot and spending much of the half camped in the final third.

But as the whistle blew, they were still searching for the cutting edge to turn dominance into goals.

Esperance pressed hard after the restart and nearly found an equaliser in the 50th minute, when Sofiane Khedairia produced a stunning save to deny Anayo Iwuala’s powerful header.

Moments later, Ilyes Cheti almost dragged them level with a thunderous strike from distance in the 59th minute only for the ball to crash against the upright.

But it was Kenya who finally broke the deadlock,and fittingly it came from the air. In the 63rd minute, Alphonce Omija rose highest from a corner to plant a towering header beyond Ramandimbisoa Michel, sparking wild celebrations from the Harambee Stars.

The lead seemed to double just minutes later when Ryan Ogam turned in from close range. However, the referee quickly ruled it out, spotting a push by Ben Stanley on Rado Niaina in the build-up.

Madagascar were then handed a lifeline in the 70th minute when Toky Randriamirindra controlled a loose ball in the box and struck it against the outstretched arms of Lewis Bandi. The referee pointed to the spot, and Fenohasina Razafimaharo calmly sent Bryne Omondi the wrong way to draw Madagascar level at 1–1.

The drama continued as Rado Niaina Rabemanantsoa missed a golden chance in the 75th minute, heading wide from six yards, while came to Kenya’s rescue in the 85th, denying Ndriamalala Andriamirado from point-blank range.

Both sides pushed forward in search of a winner but neither could find an opening in the 90 minutes and the game ended 1-1 with extra time looming.

Second haff subsitute Siraj Mohamed should have won it for Kenya in the 119th minute after some neat build-up play, but he dragged his effort wide of the target.

Madagascar almost snatched victory deep into stoppage time when Jean Luc Rakotson found space in the box, only for the ball to get stuck under his feet as the clash was forced to be decided on penalties.

Extra time failed to produce any goal and the game went to penalties, where Madagascar goalkeeper Ramandimbisoa Lalainiranjaka Michel saved one of Harambee Stars’ spot-kicks, while Kenya goalkeeper Bryne Omondi also denied one effort at the other end.

However, Kenyan defender Alphonce Omija blew his penalty wide in sudden death, sealing Madagascar’s passage to the semifinals

Harambee Stars Starting XI: Bryne Omondi (GK), Abud Omar (C), Michael Kibwage, Alphonse Omija, Alpha Chris Onyango, Boniface Muchiri, Lewis Bandi, Ryan Ogam, Ben Stanley Omondi, Suleiman Manzur, Marvin Nabwire

Madagascar Starting XI: Ramandimbisoa Lalainiranjaka Michel (GK), Rianalimanolo Nicolas Randrianamanjisoa, Heriniaina Toky Randriamirindra, Nanteniaina Elysee Randrianampisoa, Noe Mena Rafenomezantsoa, Fenohasina Gilles Razafimaharo, Andriamalala Andriamirado, Nanteniarina Mika Razafimiantana, Jean Luc Rakotson, Bond Stephano Randriamiirehitra, Rado Niaina Rabemanantsoa