Kenya vs Madagascar: Harambee Stars Players in Tears After CHAN Elimination
- Harambee Stars players were left devastated after they were eliminated from CHAN 2024 by Madagascar
- Benni McCarthy's side were beaten on post-match penalty shootouts after the normal and extra time ended in a one-all draw
- The heartbreaking result came on the back of Kenya going unbeaten in their group-stage campaign
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Harambee Stars players were inconsolable after the full-time whistle went at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Friday evening.
Source: UGC
The team had just been bundled out of the African Nations Championships (CHAN) by Madagascar on post-match penalties.
How Kenya lost to Madagascar
Alphonce Omija opened the scoring in the 48th minute with a powerful header from a Boniface Muchiri free-kick.
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Minutes later, Ryan Ogam thought he had scored in the second game running, but the referee disallowed his goal after he adjudged Ben Stanely to have fouled a Malagasy player in the build-up.
Madagascar's patience finally paid off after Lewis Bandi handled the ball inside the area, giving Fenohasina Razafimaro a chance to equalise proceedings from the spot.
Harambee Stars had the better chances to score another goal, but the Madagascar defence stood firm, forcing the game into extra time and subsequent penalty shoot-outs.
Kenya vs Madagascar penalty shootouts
Kenya's goalkeeper, Bryne Omondi, gave his side an early advantage after he saved Heriniaina Randrianirina's penalty.
The advantage was, however, wiped off after Michael Kibwage's effort was saved before Alphonce Omija missed the last spot-kick to give Madagascar the win.
Omija broke down in tears with captain Aboud Omar and his Gor Mahia teammate, Sylvester Owino, rushing over to console him.
Source: Twitter
Harambee Stars players devastated after CHAN exit
The rest of the players remain rooted in the centre circle as their dreams of lifting the CHAN trophy on home soil vanished.
The stadium, which was bouncing all night long, dropped silent as fans, like the players, struggled to come to terms with what had happened.
Madagascar players celebrate at Kasarani
Meanwhile, in the other corner, Madagascar players broke out in dance with a handful of their fans who had shown up.
The island nation are not on course to replicate their last performance where they finished third. They will meet either Sudan or Algeria in the semi-finals.
Speaking after the game, Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy insisted he was proud of his team despite the exit.
"Nothing but being proud. The players gave me everything. Every single day in training, I cannot complain. But football is sometimes like that. I'd like to congratulate Madagascar for their passage to the semis. They deserve huge credit."
Why Kenya's second goal vs Madagascar was disallowed
Kenyans were left confused after Ogam's goal against Madagascar was disallowed.
Harambee Stars players thought they had scored two quickfire goals, but Ogam's close-range finish was disallowed by the centre referee.
McCarthy expressed his disappointment with the officials' decision in his post-match remarks, calling it a 'soft' decision.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
