Harambee Stars, who were making their debut campaign in the CHAN, reached the knockout stages with an unbeaten run, having amassed 10 points to top Group A. Their success from the group stages which included wins against two-time CHAN champions DR Congo and Morocco, handed them a date with Madagascar.
On their part, Madagascar arrived for the last eight battle from Tanzania, where they had secured a second-place finish with seven points, having registered two wins, one draw and one defeat.
Playing before their partisan crowd, Kenya were bidding to reach their first continental semi-final in 38 years. But after a tense 1-1 draw across 120 minutes, Madagascar prevailed 4-3 on spot-kicks, with Toky Rakotondraibe converting the decisive penalty after Alphonce Omija missed for the hosts.
Kenya had taken the lead at the start of the second half when Omija rose highest to meet Boniface Muchiri’s delivery and steer a precise header into the bottom corner. A few minutes later, Kenya thought they had doubled their lead after Ryan Ogam found the back of the net, but VAR intervened to chalk off the strike for a foul in the build-up.
However, the disallowed goal killed the morale of Kenya, as Madagascar regrouped and, in the 66th minute, found their route back. A Lewis Bandi handball handed Fenohasina Razafimaro the chance from the spot, and he calmly sent Byrne Omondi the wrong way to level matters.
Kenya proud of what they achieved
Speaking at the end of the pulsating game, the South African legend praised his players for the game they had displayed adding that losing on penalties should not be used to measure their overall performance at the CHAN.
“Kenyan football is on an upward trajectory. We feel disappointed but when you look back at what we achieved you get proud of the achievements of this team,” said McCarthy.
“Nothing but proud of what we achieved. The players gave everything every single day in training and every match. It was really good but football is like that, the lottery of penalties sometimes doesn’t go your way.”
The former Manchester United assistant coach, however, acknowledged Madagascar’s bravery to keep Kenya at bay despite the numerous chances they created.
“It is a bit tough to go out this way. We expected a tough game but didn’t expect them to be this way. Their movement off the ball was great. I want to congratulate Madagascar for their passage to the semis,” added McCarthy.
“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 further admitted that had Kenya been clinical in front of Madagascar goal, they should have sealed the win and a ticket to the semifinals stage.
“It could have been anyone’s game. We are fairly openly disappointed we couldn’t take the chances we had. When you miss your chances at the end of the day you are punished,” offered McCarthy, who looked disappointed.
“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 will now shift Kenya’s focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers where they are scheduled to face the Gambia and Seychelles in September.
Follow CHAN here
