Hard fighting Madagascar end Harambee Stars CHAN fairy tale to reach semis
By Luke Oluoch, August 22, 2025Harambee Stars’ fairytale run in the 2025 African Nations Championship came to a crashing end at the quarterfinal stage on Friday, August 22, 2025, with a 4-3 penalty shoot-out loss to Madagascar at the Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Kenya’s push for a semifinal spot in only their debut appearance seemed on course after taking an early lead through Alphonce Omija’s opener.
The advantage was, however, cut short after Madagascar equalised after the hour mark, sending the clash to extra time.
The hard-fighting Islanders finally upended Benni McCarthy’s team after regulation time in a tense lottery of penalty kicks, winning 4-3 to advance to the last four.
End of the road!
The heartbreak compounded a teary and disappointing end for the Stars, who not only ended their continental journey but also missed out on the bountiful rewards of Ksh1 million each for every player pledged by President William Ruto for a victory in the quarterfinal tie.
The players had also been promised a two-bedroom affordable housing unit each for progressing past the knockout stages.
The hosts edged the onsets of proceedings slightly, ranking four shots against Madagascar’s one.
Madagascar goalie Michel Ramandimbisoa Toldo proved alert early on to ward off a couple of threats at goal as Kenya started the clash on the attacking foot
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.
Ogam’s opener
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, was seeking to make a deep run into the competition.
The deadlock was broken minutes after the break as Omija scored from a well-taken set piece.
The towering centre half lost his marker to plant a cushioned header past Toldo for a priceless opener that sent the stadium into a frenzy.
Proceedings seemed to have moved from good to better two minutes later as Ryan Ogam turned home the second after being teed up by Ben Stanley Omondi.
Disallowed goal
The goal was, however, cruelly chopped off after the referee adjudged the midfielder for an infraction prior to his touch on the ball.
Despite Kenyans maintaining the dominance, it was the visitors who took the lead just after the hour mark.
A probing hit back in the 68th minute from the spot after Madagascar defender Toki was fouled in the area.
Madagascar level
Fenohasina Razafimanana stepped forward to send Bryne Omondi the wrong way and level matters and send the clash to extra time.
Kenya’s moments to steal it late on saw Mike Kibwage effort cleared off the line.
The match later proceeded to the penalty shoot-outs, with neither side making for a goal advantage.
Penalty Series
Madagascar Tony SCORES. 1-0
Kenya’s Mohammed Siraj SCORES! 1-1
Omondi saves Toki’s penalty! 1-1
Kenya’s Daniel Sakari SCORES! 2-1.
Madagascar’s Lalaina SCORES! 2-2
Kenya’s Sylvester Owino SCORES! 3-2.
Madagascar Fenohasina SCORES! 3-3.
Kenya’s Mike Kibwage Misses. 3-3.
Toky Niaina SCORES. 4-3.
Alphonce Omija Misses. 4-3 it ends in favour of Madagascar.