CHAN 2024: Benni McCarthy Weighs In on Kenya’s Disallowed Goal, Madagascar Penalty
- Ryan Ogam scored in the 51st minute of Kenya's CHAN 2024 quarter-final clash against Madagascar, but his goal was disallowed
- The Barea equalised via the penalty spot and later beat Kenya on penalties to advance to the semi-final
- Harambee Stars boss Benni McCarthy has made his feelings clear on the decision as they come to terms with their elimination
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Harambee Stars' coach has shared his honest thoughts on Kenya's disallowed goal and Madagascar's penalty, following their exit from CHAN 2024 after a penalty shootout.
Source: Getty Images
Kenya dominated the contest and would have won in regular time, but a disallowed goal, a controversial penalty, and a penalty shootout dashed their hopes.
The co-hosts were enjoying a brilliant campaign but faced a team that had finished third in the previous CHAN tournament in Algeria.
Why was Kenya's goal disallowed?
Harambee Stars dominated the first half, with Boniface Muchiri standing out as the star player. Veteran goalkeeper Toldo was exceptional for Madagascar, denying Kenya on several occasions.
In the second half, Kenya's persistence paid off early when Muchiri's inch-perfect set piece was headed in by Alphonce Omija, giving the hosts the lead.
In the 51st minute, Ryan Ogam slotted what he thought was Kenya's second goal, but it was immediately ruled out. Ben Stanley Omondi headed a cross into Ogam's path, but he had pushed an opposition player, causing the goal to be cancelled.
Source: Getty Images
Kenya's celebrations were cut short, and fans inside Kasarani Stadium were silenced after Madagascar equalised.
Lewis Bandi handled the ball inside the box, and referee Adalbert Diouf from Senegal pointed to the spot. Fenohasina Razafimaro sent Byrne Omondi the wrong way to level the score.
Neither side could find a winner during regular or extra time. Madagascar won the penalty shootout after Omija missed his spot kick.
What did Benni McCarthy say about disallowed goal?
Kenyans were confused as to why Ogam's goal was disallowed, especially considering it could have helped Kenya reach the semi-finals.
"I do think the free kick for the goal was extremely soft. So that should have stood, in my opinion. But the referee and the VAR, the officials that was on the pitch today, they disagreed that they gave the decision," McCarthy said after the game.
A VAR check for Lewis Bandi's handball did not take long.
"The penalty, what the players meant to do. The ball hit him on the hand. Yeah, it was a shot at goal, but it was going straight to the goalkeepers," he added.
Kenya were awarded a penalty at CHAN, which came against Angola in the group stage. Chrispine Erambo and Marvin Nabwire were also sent off against Morocco and Angola, respectively.
What did Kenyans say about disallowed goal?
@fabmikel:
"The ref even decided not to go for a review.. He's acting like Malagasy's 12th player."
@AfcKuno_:
"He pointed to the center point for a goal then ruled it out without the flag being or VAR interfering. I couldn’t get how that was possible 🤔."
@HKiduhu:
"Very soft…..nonetheless it’s a foul."
@ItsKaizerchief:
"That was too easy."
Abud Omar issues apology to Kenyans
In a related story, we reported that Haramebe Stars captain Abud Omar issued an apology after their CHAN 2024 exit.
The defender said they let Kenya down and thanked Kenyans for their support during the tournament.
Omar and other teammates from the CHAN 2024 squad might be called up for the upcoming matches.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
