The Harambee Stars face Madagascar in a high-stakes CHAN 2024 quarterfinal, promising drama, resilience, and a potential historic breakthrough.

Kenya and Madagascar will lock horns in a highly anticipated quarterfinal of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Friday evening.

Both sides are chasing a historic semifinal berth, with Harambee Stars looking to extend their dream debut run and Madagascar aiming to build on their growing reputation as knockout specialists.

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The Harambee Stars come into the clash unbeaten in the group stage, boasting defensive resilience and clinical finishing, while the Barea arrive in Nairobi with renewed momentum after winning their final two group games.

Kenya’s Harambee Stars have impressed on debut, conceding just one goal in four matches. They boast the joint-best defensive record in the tournament, alongside Tanzania, Senegal, and Sudan. Austin Odhiambo and Ryan Ogam have each scored twice, ensuring Kenya found the net in every game.

Although yet to score more than once in a single match, the Stars have kept three clean sheets, underlining their consistency.

Goalkeepers Byrne Omondi and Faruk Shikhalo have shared duties between the posts with distinction. Omondi has 11 saves and two clean sheets in three appearances, while Shikhalo kept a shutout in the decisive 1-0 win over Zambia.

Boniface Muchiri provided his first assist in that match, as the Stars tallied their highest shots and passes in the competition so far.

Madagascar, coached by Romauld Rakotondrabe, are enjoying their second consecutive CHAN quarterfinal appearance after finishing third in 2022.

Veteran goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa has been their standout player, producing 17 saves and collecting three Man of the Match awards. Midfielder Lalaina Cliver Rafanomezantsoa has been their creative heartbeat, directly contributing to four of Madagascar’s five goals with two goals and two assists.

Te Barea’s strong finish in the group stage — a 2-0 win over the Central African Republic and a 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso — has boosted their confidence heading into Kasarani.

This will be the 11th meeting between Kenya and Madagascar in international football. Historically, Kenya hold the advantage with five wins, compared to Madagascar’s three, while two matches have ended in draws.

Their first encounter came in 1959, with Kenya winning 3-0 in Madagascar — their first international victory outside East Africa.

Their last meeting was in 2019 during a friendly in France, where Kenya emerged 1-0 winners. However, this is their first clash at CHAN, and the stakes are far greater.

Kenya will rely on their defensive discipline and the energy of the home crowd to push them over the line. Madagascar, on the other hand, will look to the knockout-stage experience of 2022 and the form of Rafanomezantsoa to cause problems for the Stars’ backline.

Both sides will be wary of the prospect of extra time, as neither has faced a penalty shoot-out in this year’s tournament.

The match will be held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi. Fans in Kenya can catch the action live on KBC Channel 1, while regional coverage will be available on Azam TV.

Across the continent, the game will be broadcast on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM EAT.