Benni McCarthy has hailed the Harambee Stars for their spirited run at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) despite bowing out in the quarter-finals after a tense penalty shootout against Madagascar on Friday, August 22, 2025.

The coach, speaking at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani on Friday, August 22, 2025, described Kenya’s debut campaign as a statement of intent for the future of local football.

He noted that his players had given their all in training and on the pitch, showing hunger, resilience and discipline throughout the tournament.

“Nothing but proud of what we achieved. The players gave everything every single day in training and every match,” McCarthy said after the game.

Adding;

“It was really good, but football is like that, the lottery of penalties sometimes doesn’t go your way.”

While acknowledging that the match was finely balanced, McCarthy admitted that Kenya were left to rue missed opportunities in front of goal. He praised Madagascar for their tactical sharpness and composure under pressure, especially in converting penalties in front of a charged Kenyan crowd.

“It is a bit tough to go out this way. We expected a tough game, but didn’t expect them to be this way. Their movement off the ball was great. I want to congratulate Madagascar for their passage to the semis,” he said.

McCarthy underlined that penalty shootouts remain an unpredictable way to settle matches, and, unfortunately, the outcome did not favour Kenya this time.

“If you come to Kenya and can perform at such a stage with the fans and the noise, they deserve huge credit for having nerves of steel, especially in the penalty shootout.”

Still, he expressed pride in how the Stars handled themselves against experienced opposition, insisting that the team’s progress was proof that Kenyan football is moving in the right direction.

“It could have been anyone’s game. We are fairly disappointed that we couldn’t take the chances we had. When you miss your chances at the end of the day, you are punished,” McCarthy explained.

Adding;

“The fans have been incredible and pushed us really hard. Kenyan football is on the up; the talent we saw over this CHAN tournament has been immense. Everyone should be proud.”

“We are disappointed now, but tomorrow when I sit down and think about it, I will be really proud that we were able to come this far, and hopefully we can work in a good way moving forward to ensure the national team is strong.”

CHAN exit

Kenya’s dream run ended after a 1-1 draw and a 4-3 defeat on penalties to Madagascar. The match was tense from start to finish and kept the full house at Kasarani on its feet.

Kenya looked on course for a semifinal spot when Alphonce Omija rose high to head home a set piece shortly after the break. The stadium erupted as the hosts took the lead.

Madagascar responded in the 68th minute. Fenohasina Razafimanana stepped up to the spot and sent goalkeeper Bryne Omondi the wrong way to level the score. The visitors grew in belief after the equaliser, and the game became a battle of nerve and precision.

Kenya still had moments to win it. Ryan Ogam found the net, but the goal was ruled out for a foul in the buildup. Late in normal time, Mike Kibwage saw his effort cleared off the line. Extra time followe,d with both sides pushing for a winner. Neither could find a breakthrough, and the quarter final went to a penalty shootout where Madagascar held their nerve to advance 4-3.