Harambee Stars suffers painful CHAN defeat as Barea shines in penalties

• The Harambee Stars vs Madagascar CHAN quarter-final match was played at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani Stadium.
• Madagascar secured a 4-3 win in the post-match penalties.
• Madagascar will face either Algeria or Sudan in the semi-final on 26 August 2025 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

With a hard-fought win, Madagascar did not just stun Harambee Stars, they captured a page in record books. The 4-3 penalties victory over Kenya in a thrilling CHAN quarter-final match that was played at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani Stadium, ensured Barea qualified for the semi-final. The incredible feat was made possible by thrilling performance from their goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa famously known as Toldo.

Harambee Stars vs Madagascar live

Harambee Stars, who started their African Nations Championship journey as the under dogs, began the match brilliantly. They dominated the midfield and created several goal scoring opportunities.

The likes of Boniface Muchiri, Suleiman Manzur Okwaro, Ben Stanley Omondi, and Ryan Ogam exchanged some neat passes near Madagascar’s penalty box in the first 30 minutes but they could not find any space to penetrate their opponents’ backline.

As the battle went on, the visitors started to slowly get into the game. Nonetheless, the two sides were forced to go the half time break goalless.

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Harambee Stars players returned from the break more hungrier and managed to open the scoring shortly after the re-start.

The goal came in the 48th minute through Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija, who directed the ball into the net after heading in a well-delivered free kick from Muchiri.

Kenya continued with their encouraging display after the goal.

They could have increased their lead less than three minutes later when Ogam scored from close range but it the goal was disallowed by the VAR due to a push on a one of the Madagascar players in the build-up.

Kenya vs Madagascar results today

The decision came as a relieve to island nation, who equalized in the 69th minute after Lewis Bandi was penalized for touching the ball with his hand inside Harambee Star’s penalty box. Fenohasina Gilles Razafimaro stepped up and netted the penalty.

Despite the players from both teams fighting hard to win the match in the regulation and extra time, it ended 1-1, resulting in a penalty shoot-out where Harambee Stars suffered a painful 4-3 defeat.

Harambee Stars’ penalties were scored Sylvester Owino, Daniel Sakari and Siraj Mohammed while Michael Kibwage and Omija failed to convert.

As for Madagascar, Nantenaina Randriamanampisoa, Razafimaro, Toky Niaina and Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa scored their spot kicks. Toky Bienvenu Randrianirina’s penalty was saved by Kenya’s shot stopper Bryne Omondi.

What next for the Madagascar men’s national football team after the win against Harambee Stars?

After today’s match, Madagascar will play the winner between Algeria and Sudan in the CHAN semi-final.

The fixture, which will be played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, is set to take place 26 August 2025.

Another win in the semi-final for Madagascar will ensure they move a step closer towards winning the CHAN title.

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Meanwhile, the Kenya national soccer team is expected to return to the drawing board and prepare for upcoming fixtures.

Kenya vs Madagascar line up

Kenya: Omondi, Omar Abud (Captain), Kibwage, Omija, Onyango, Boniface Muchiri, Lewis Bandi, Ben Stanley Omondi, Suleiman Manzur Okwaro, Marvin Nabwire

Madagascar: Toldo, Nicholas, Toky, Tony (Captain), Lalaina, Fenohasina, Dax, Gregass, Luc, Bono, R Niaina

ALSO READ: Harambee Stars CHAN 2024: Key factors behind Kenya’s Group A dominance

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