Half time: Madagascar frustrate dominant Harambee Stars in tight encounter
By Luke Oluoch, August 22, 2025The national soccer team, Harambee Stars, is currently tied to a barren draw against Madagascar after the first 45 minutes of the first quarterfinals clash of the African Championship games this Friday, August 22, 2025.
A fast-paced opening half at Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani, had Benni McCarthy’s team going for the jugular early on to no avail.
They, however, claimed an edge in proceedings, ranking four shots against Madagascar’s one while the Islanders dictated possession on a 52 percent.
The half was characterised by feeble efforts at goals, with an alert Madagascar goalie, Michel Ramandimbisoa Toldo, and an impressive center back, Tony, dealing with the few and far between from Kenya’s offensive team.
Madagascar’s best chance came after an indecisive Alpha Omija’s pass to the keeper; Bryne Omondi came just short. The Gor Mahia goalie, however, stormed off his line to deal with the threat ahead of the lead attacker, striker Fenohasina Razafimanana.
The Group B runners-up seemed to weather an early attacking momentum from Kenya before growing into the game with a couple of threats.
Despite a first-half slight dominance, Kenya’s lead striker, Ryan Ogam, deployed as the sole striker for the tie, seemed to be overpowered by a flurry of the visitors’ defenders every time he got on the ball, much to the frustration of coach Benni McCarthy.
One of the late chances for Kenya saw space open for Ben Stanley, but his inbound effort to find Ogam was smothered by the Madagascar keeper.
Under coach McCarthy, Kenya who has so far been the tournament’s dark horse after topping proceedings in the massively billed pool of death, are seeking to extend their fairytale run in the competition.
The Madagascar clash comes with huge implications as the team stands a chance to bag yet another million from President William Ruto as well as a promise of being considered for apartments from the government’s affordable housing units.
The hosts topped a group comprising of Angola, two-time CHAN winners, Morocco, and DR Congo and 2012 AFCON winners in Zambia.
Kenya will be out to extend its run to the tournament with a win against Madagascar, earning them a place in the last four in only their debut appearance.
Their matchday opponents, on their part, seek to make another statement of intent after finishing the previous edition of the competition at third place.