Kenya 1–1 Madagascar: Hosts Denied Semi-Final Spot After Extra-Time Stalemate at Kasarani

Nairobi, Kenya – August 22, 2025

Kenya’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign reached a knife-edge on Friday evening as the Harambee Stars were held 1–1 by Madagascar in a tense quarter-final clash at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Played before a sea of red, green, and black, the encounter had everything—passion, drama, controversy, and narrow escapes—but ended with the hosts falling short of sealing a historic semi-final berth in regulation and extra time.

The Build-Up: A Nation Expectant

Kenya came into this match unbeaten in the group stage and riding a wave of optimism. Hosting the continental competition for the first time, fans saw this fixture as a once-in-a-generation chance to showcase the depth of the domestic league. Madagascar, however, arrived with pedigree—having finished third at CHAN 2022—and carried the quiet confidence of a side that has upset giants before.

First Half: Tight, Tactical, and Nervy

The first 45 minutes were marked by tension more than creativity. Kenya controlled possession but found little joy against Madagascar’s compact backline. Each Kenyan foray was cut short by timely interceptions, while the visitors threatened sporadically on the break.

The highlight of the half came in the 34th minute when striker Moses Shummah tested the Malagasy goalkeeper with a fierce drive from outside the box, forcing a fingertip save. Madagascar responded with a long-range strike of their own, which whistled just over the bar. Despite the half ending goalless, the sense of impending drama was palpable in the stands.

Second Half: Kenya’s Moment of Euphoria

Barely three minutes after the restart, Kasarani erupted. Alphonce Omija, pushed forward from defence for a set-piece situation, stayed alert to pounce on a loose ball inside the box. His clinical finish in the 48th minute sent fans into raptures, with drums, horns, and chants echoing across Nairobi.

The goal injected energy into the Kenyan side, who pushed for a second. Midfielder Austin Odhiambo danced past two defenders in the 55th minute, only to see his curling effort drift agonisingly wide. For a spell, it seemed Kenya would ride the momentum to victory.

The Turning Point: Madagascar’s Penalty

That optimism was punctured in the 69th minute. A mistimed tackle in the box gave Madagascar a golden chance from the penalty spot. Fenohasina Gilles Razafimaro stepped forward, composed and clinical, smashing the ball into the corner beyond the dive of Kenyan keeper Bryne Omondi.

The equaliser shifted the tone of the match entirely. The Malagasy bench erupted in celebration, and Kenya were left rattled. From that point on, Madagascar grew bolder, while Kenya’s earlier fluency gave way to nerves.

Extra Time: Tension and Missed Chances

With the scores level, the match stretched into extra time. Kenya nearly reclaimed the lead in the 102nd minute when Ben Omondi unleashed a thunderous strike from 20 yards, only for the ball to graze the post.

Madagascar responded with a flurry of counter-attacks. Substitute Ando Ratolojanahary forced a desperate block from Johnstone Omurwa, while Razafimaro almost doubled his tally with a shot that flew inches wide.

As legs tired, tackles grew heavier and mistakes more frequent. But neither side could find the decisive goal, setting up a nerve-wracking finish.

Player Ratings (Selected)

• Alphonce Omija (Kenya) – 7.5/10: Scored Kenya’s goal and was commanding in defence.
• Austin Odhiambo (Kenya) – 7/10: Carried the creative burden but lacked final product.
• Fenohasina Gilles Razafimaro (Madagascar) – 8/10: Calm under pressure from the penalty spot, dangerous throughout.
• Bryne Omondi (Kenya GK) – 6.5/10: Made key saves but powerless to stop the penalty.

Tactical Breakdown

• Kenya’s Approach: Aggressive pressing and reliance on width, but decision-making in the final third was poor. The switch to direct play after Madagascar’s equaliser showed desperation rather than structure.
• Madagascar’s Game Plan: Sit deep, frustrate, and strike when mistakes came. Their patience was rewarded with the penalty, and they nearly stole it late in extra time with clever counters.

What It Means

For Kenya, this result is a mix of pride and frustration. The Harambee Stars have shown progress—reaching the knockout stages and pushing a seasoned opponent to the brink—but the inability to close out a lead remains a recurring theme in Kenyan football.

For Madagascar, the draw reaffirms their reputation as giant killers. Their resilience and tactical maturity keep them in the tournament spotlight and offer hope of another podium finish.

Fan Reactions

Inside Kasarani, the atmosphere swung from jubilation to anxiety. “We thought this was our year,” lamented one fan draped in a Kenyan flag. Others praised the fighting spirit: “At least we showed Africa we belong here.”

Looking Ahead

Kenya must regroup quickly, with questions looming over finishing, tactical discipline, and composure in big moments. The CHAN campaign may not deliver a trophy, but it has ignited belief in the future of the local game.

Final score: Kenya 1–1 Madagascar (after extra time)

• 48’ Omija (KEN)
• 69’ Razafimaro (MAD, pen.)