Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has explained why he left star midfielder Austin Odhiambo on the bench for the entire African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-final clash against Madagascar.

Speaking moments after the game at Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Friday, August 22, 2025, McCarthy said the decision was purely tactical.

“It was a tactical decision. We wanted to dominate in midfield, and I just felt the game was going according to how we set up,” the coach explained.

McCarthy admitted the loss was painful but praised his players for their spirit, discipline, and resilience throughout the tournament.

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

Adding;

“It was really good, but football is like that; the lottery of penalties sometimes does not go your way.”

The coach acknowledged that Kenya were left to regret missed chances in front of goal but credited Madagascar for their composure under pressure.

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

He also noted that the pressure of playing in front of a fully packed Kasarani could easily have unsettled Madagascar, but they remained calm and executed their penalties well.

“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,” he added.

Despite the exit, McCarthy insisted that Kenya’s performance in their debut CHAN campaign had shown that local football is moving in the right direction.

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

“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,” McCarthy said.

Heartbreak for Stars

The much-anticipated clash ended in heartbreak for Kenya after a tense penalty shootout saw Madagascar edge out the Harambee Stars 4-3 following a 1-1 draw in normal and extra time.

Kenya had taken the lead shortly after the breakthrough by defender Alphonce Omija, whose towering header sent the packed Kasarani crowd into wild celebrations. But Madagascar fought back and levelled in the 68th minute when Fenohasina Razafimanana calmly converted from the penalty spot after a foul inside the box.

The equaliser sparked confidence in the visitors, who grew sharper with every passing minute. Kenya, however, still had their chances. Ryan Ogam thought he had restored the lead, only for his goal to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up. Later, Mike Kibwage came agonisingly close but saw his effort cleared off the line.

With neither side able to find a winner in extra time, the match was decided on penalties. Madagascar held their nerve to book a semifinal place, leaving the Harambee Stars and their fans in despair.