Kenya’s remarkable debut at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) ended in heartbreak on Friday evening at Kasarani Stadium, as the Harambee Stars fell 4-3 on penalties to Madagascar after a tense 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time.
For 120 minutes, the Stars fought with every ounce of spirit they had. The stadium erupted in the 48th minute when Alphonse Omija rose highest to head home Boniface Muchiri’s pinpoint free-kick, handing Kenya a deserved lead and igniting dreams of a historic semifinal.
But the joy was cut short in the 68th minute when Madagascar’s Fenohasina Gilles equalized from the spot after a handball in the box.
The match stretched into extra time, with Byrne Omondi pulling off stunning saves to keep hopes alive, while the Stars pressed forward with chances that went begging. With nothing to separate the two sides, the cruel lottery of penalties decided Kenya’s fate.
Siraj Mohammed, Daniel Sakari, and Sylvester Owino converted their spot-kicks, and Omondi even saved one to keep the nation’s hopes burning. But misses from Mike Kibwage and hero-turned-heartbreak figure Omija handed Madagascar the narrowest of victories, sealing Kenya’s exit from CHAN 2024.
The pain at Kasarani was palpable. The atmosphere, once charged with unshakable belief, fell silent as the Malagasy celebrated. Players sank to their knees, fans wept, and yet—applause soon rang out. For though the journey ended, the dream they had inspired remained.
From stunning Morocco, Zambia, and DR Congo in the so-called “group of death,” to showing unyielding resilience against Madagascar, Coach Benni McCarthy’s side had written a new chapter in Kenyan football. Their unity, grit, and brilliance lit up the tournament and rekindled national pride.
Kenya bows out with heads held high—pocketing KSh 58 million in prize money, but more importantly, earning the respect of a continent.
The heartbreak is real, but so too is the hope. For the Harambee Stars have shown that Kenya belongs on the continental stage, and this painful ending may just be the beginning of something greater.
Benni McCarthy Admits Harambee Stars Crumbled Under Pressure in CHAN 2024 Penalty Heartbreak vs Madagascar
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has admitted that his team fumbled and crumbled under pressure during their CHAN 2024 quarter-final loss to Madagascar on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani.
Kenya’s historic debut run came to a halt after a tense 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time, with Madagascar edging the Stars 4-3 in the penalty shootout.
Speaking after the match, McCarthy said the moment got the better of his side despite their strong showing throughout the tournament.
“We had the game in our hands, but we let the pressure get to us,” McCarthy admitted. “At this level, you cannot afford to miss chances, and unfortunately, when it mattered most, we couldn’t keep our composure. Madagascar were more clinical when it counted.”
McCarthy, who had praised his charges for topping their group unbeaten against heavyweights Morocco, Zambia, Angola, and DR Congo, acknowledged that inexperience on the big stage played a role in the quarter-final heartbreak.
“This was new territory for many of our boys. They gave everything, but you could see the nerves in extra time and especially in the penalties,” he said. “Football is cruel sometimes—you dominate, you create, you fight, but if you don’t kill off the game, you leave yourself vulnerable.”
Still, McCarthy chose to focus on the positives, hailing his team’s character and growth throughout the competition.
“I am incredibly proud of these players. They showed Africa that Kenyan football has heart, skill, and courage,” McCarthy said. “Yes, we crumbled under pressure today, but this team will rise again. The journey doesn’t end here—it begins here.”
The South African tactician also extended his gratitude to the fans, whose passionate support painted Kasarani red with flags, drums, and chants.
“The fans were unbelievable. They carried us every minute. Tonight, we walk away with pain, but also with pride. We’ve proven that Kenya belongs on this stage, and I promise we’ll come back stronger.”
Despite the disappointment, the Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 run remains historic, with the team bowing out unbeaten in regulation play and earning KSh 58 million in prize money.
