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Good Morning Kenya
Kenya’s fairy tale run in the 2025 CHAN tournament came to a gut-wrenching end on Friday night as the Harambee Stars bowed out on penalties to a determined Madagascar side—once again showing Kenya the proverbial middle finger.
Just last year, Madagascar raised eyebrows when they refused to back Raila Odinga for the AU Chairmanship. Now, they’ve rubbed salt into the wound—this time on the pitch, and on our own soil.
Despite co-hosting the tournament, Kenya is out. Knocked out. Bantered out.
How It Unfolded
It had started so well. The Stars drew first blood when a perfectly delivered dead ball by Muchiri was met by Omija, who rose highest to nod it home for a 1-0 lead. The stadium erupted.
But the joy was short-lived.
In the 66th minute, Lewis Bandi’s unfortunate handball in the box gifted Madagascar a penalty. Fenohasina Razafimaro made no mistake, levelling the score at 1-1.
From there, it was a tense affair. Extra time couldn’t separate the sides, and the match was left to the lottery of penalties.
Kenya’s takers – Siraj Mohammed, Daniel Sakari, and Sylvester Owino – all converted. But then, the pressure told. Mike Kibwage’s effort was saved. Omija, the early hero, blazed his penalty wide. Madagascar’s Toky Rakotondraibe stepped up and coolly slotted home the winner.
Coaching Questions and Penalty Puzzles
The match raised questions that fans are still asking this morning:
- Why did coach Benni McCarthy leave Austin Odhiambo—Kenya’s talisman—on the bench despite making six substitutions?
- Why didn’t veterans like Abud Omar or Masoud Juma step up for spot-kick duty?
- And how did we lose all momentum after such a promising start?
Still, it’s hard to ignore the positives.
Stellar CHAN Debut, Despite the Pain
This was Kenya’s best-ever CHAN showing. The Harambee Stars advanced to the quarter-finals unbeaten, topping a group that included CHAN heavyweights Morocco and DR Congo.
Across five matches, they conceded just twice. Byrne Omondi was sensational between the sticks. The defense was largely solid. The team showed heart, grit, and structure.
But the lack of goals—and perhaps questionable in-game management—ultimately cost us.
Madagascar: Our Footballing Nemesis?
First, they dribbled past Raila at the AU. Now, they’ve embarrassed us on home turf. It’s starting to feel personal.
Still, credit where it’s due. The Malagasy were organized, composed, and ruthless when it mattered. Their goalkeeper, Michel Ramandimbisoa, was the real match-winner.
Flowers for the Stars
Despite the heartbreak, the Harambee Stars and coach Benni McCarthy deserve flowers. They’ve brought pride back to Kenyan football with a gritty CHAN campaign that nobody expected.
It’s pain today—but perhaps, the dawn of a new era tomorrow.
