Madagascar advances to CHAN semifinals in penalty shootout heartbreak for Kenya

NAIROBI, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's dream debut at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) ended on Friday in heartbreak as plucky Madagascar held its nerve in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to reach the semifinals.

Roared on by a passionate crowd at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, the Harambee Stars aimed to advance to their first continental semifinal in 38 years.

The home crowd went wild two minutes after halftime when defender Alphonce Omija put Kenya ahead with a glancing header from a Boniface Muchiri freekick.

Moments later, Ryan Ogam thought he had doubled the lead, but VAR ruled out the strike for a push on a defender in the build-up.

The visitor, who had squeezed into the last eight from Group B, fought back from the spot in the 69th minute. A long ball into the box saw Lewis Bandi handle the ball under no pressure, and the referee awarded Madagascar a penalty. Fenohasina Razafimaro scored, sending Stars goalkeeper Boniface Omondi the wrong way for 1-1.

The match remained tied through regular and extra time, with tension mounting around Kasarani. A crucial moment came a minute before the break in first-half extra time when Mike Kibwage's effort was cleared off the line as Kenya nearly regained the lead.

With the score deadlocked at 1-1 after extra time, the match went to penalties. Kenya initially took the advantage when Omondi saved Madagascar's second spot kick, but the hopeful run ended when Kibwage's effort was saved by Madagascar's goalkeeper, Michel Ramandimbisoa.

Madagascar then won 4-3 when Omija stepped up for Kenya's fifth penalty but dragged his shot wide, handing the 2022 CHAN bronze medalist another fairy-tale victory as the home crowd sank into despair.

Madagascar will face either Sudan or Algeria, who play their quarterfinal on Saturday, in the semifinals in Dar-es-Salaam on August 26.

Despite the disappointment, the pride of Kenya's campaign remains. Head coach and South African icon Benni McCarthy and the team can look back on topping a challenging Group A that included two-time winners Morocco and the DR Congo. ■