Kenya’s hopes of advancing in the African Nations Championship were dashed on Friday, August 22, after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Madagascar at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The Harambee Stars fell 4-3 in the quarterfinal clash after the tie ended 1-1 following extra time.
For today's squad, Head coach Benni McCarthy had made four changes to his lineup ahead of the high-stakes encounter.
Goalkeeper Bryne Omondi reclaimed his spot between the posts, while Alphonce Omija partnered Michael Kibwage in central defence. Suleiman Manzur and Boniface Muchiri also returned to the starting eleven.
The tactical tweaks initially paid off as Kenya dominated proceedings from kick-off.
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Muchiri proved a constant menace down the wing, frequently unsettling the Malagasy defence, while Lewis Bandi and Marvin Nabwire ensured the home side maintained pressure by recycling possession effectively.
Chances soon followed; Ben Stanley Omondi nearly connected with Ryan Ogam inside the penalty area, only for goalkeeper Ramandimbisoa Michel to intervene decisively.
On the opposite end, Madagascar struggled to muster a real threat, with lone striker Jean Luc Rakotson kept firmly in check by Omija and Kibwage.
Kenya finally found the breakthrough in the 63rd minute; rising above the Malagasy defence, Omija powered a header past Ramandimbisoa to put the Stars ahead, igniting celebrations from the home fans.
Minutes later, Ryan Ogam thought he had doubled the lead, but the referee disallowed his effort for an infringement in the build-up.
Madagascar were handed a lifeline in the 70th minute when Bandi was penalised for handling inside the box.
Fenohasina Razafimaharo converted the resulting penalty with composure, levelling the contest at 1-1.
The visitors nearly went ahead five minutes later, but Rado Niaina Rabemanantsoa squandered a free header from close range.
Kenya also had a late chance through Ndriamalala Andriamirado, but Omondi stood tall to deny him with a sharp save in the 85th minute.
Extra time brought further drama; substitute Siraj Mohamed missed a gilt-edged chance to win it for Kenya in the 119th minute, dragging his shot wide after a neat attacking move.
At the other end, Rakotson almost capitalised in stoppage time but failed to control the ball inside the box, sending the match into penalties.
In the shootout, both goalkeepers made key saves, but the tie was ultimately settled when Omija, Kenya’s earlier goal scorer, sent his sudden-death penalty wide.
That miss confirmed Madagascar’s 4-3 triumph and booked their place in the semifinals.
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