Madagascar or Tanzania? Harambee Stars probable quarter-final rivals as Group B ends
By Luke Oluoch, August 17, 2025Kenya’s Harambee Stars will face either Tanzania or Madagascar in the quarterfinal, after the two teams emerged as the best sides from their African Nations Championship Group B on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
Tanzania, who enjoyed an unbeaten start to the tournament, secured progress with an unbeaten record following a barren draw against the Central African Republic.
The tied outcome saw Hemed Suleiman’s coached team emerge as the group winners on 10 points. Tanzania will now face off against the second-placed team from Group A, with their rank as the group winners seeing them retain the honours of hosting their next opponents in Dar es Salaam.
Madagascar storm quarters
Meanwhile, Madagascar, who edged Burkina Faso 2-1 in the other Group B duel, joined Taifa Stars as the two teams proceeding to the last eight.
The islanders’ side recorded a couple of wins, one draw, and only tasted defeat in a 2-0 scoreline against hosts Tanzania during their group ties in Tanzania.
The feat saw them pip Mauritania on the slimmest of margins, with the goal difference tiebreaker coming into play for the two teams.
Mauritania finished the pool in third but, however, saw their record dwarfed by an inferior goal difference, leaving Madagascar to proceed.
Group A action
Meanwhile, action shifts to Group A clashes as Kenya, Morocco, and DR Congo venture out to know the ultimate standings of Pool A as the final group matches take centre stage this Sunday, August 17, 2025.
Kenya, who have already qualified, will take on Zambia, who have been eliminated from the tournament, at Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The other clash will see Morocco and DR Congo seeking to cancel each other out with a spot in the quarter-finals at stake.
For Benni McCarthy’s team, the focus will be on extending their unbeaten start and topping the group proceedings. Victory for Kenya will assure them of being the group winners, thus retaining their hosting status and venue at Kasarani.
Finishing as runners-up will, however, see Kenya make the trip to Tanzania to face off against the high-flying hosts.
Strong ending
The tactician has maintained that he remains intent on a decisive win as Kenya looks to extend their fine start to the championship against Chipolopolo.
“Tomorrow is a must-win game; we know that we have already qualified, but we are just looking to finish off the good campaign so that we prove it all has been a fluke,” he stated.
“I always say to the players, in order to be the best, you have to beat the best, and we have proven that in the group stages with DRC, Angola, and Morocco. The three most dangerous teams with strong squads. It takes immense credit to players, but now we have to make a strong statement by winning the last game,” he stated.