The stage is set for a historic clash as Kenya’s Harambee Stars, in their debut TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign, face off against tournament regulars Madagascar in the quarter-finals on Friday.

This will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations at the CHAN finals, with Kenya aiming to become the first debutant since Madagascar in 2022 to reach the semi-finals.

Kenya’s journey to the knockout stage has been a remarkable one. They went unbeaten in the group phase, recording three wins and one draw, and conceded just a single goal.

This impressive defensive record, which is the joint-best among all quarter-finalists, has been a cornerstone of their success. The team’s goals have been evenly split between Austin Odhiambo and Ryan Ogam, who have each scored twice.

Notably, the Harambee Stars have scored in every game so far but are yet to find the back of the net more than once in a single match.

Both goalkeepers, Byrne Omondi and Faruk Shikhalo, have played a crucial role, with Omondi making 11 saves in three games and Shikhalo keeping a clean sheet in his only appearance.

Madagascar, meanwhile, are playing in their fifth match of the tournament, matching their 2022 total. After a shaky start with no wins in their first two group games, they found their form, winning their last two matches against Central African Republic and Burkina Faso.

This is Madagascar’s second-ever quarter-final appearance, having reached the semi-finals in 2022.

A key player to watch for Madagascar is Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa, who has been directly involved in four of their goals with two goals and two assists.

Their goalkeeper, Michel Ramandimbisoa, has also been outstanding, leading the tournament with 17 saves.

With both teams showcasing strong defensive capabilities Kenya with three clean sheets and Madagascar with two the match promises to be a tight contest.

Head-to-Head and Tournament Context

• This is the first time Kenya and Madagascar are meeting at the CHAN finals.
• Madagascar is the fifth different nation Kenya has faced at the tournament, and the third from Southern Africa.
• Madagascar has faced a host nation before, losing 2-1 to Tanzania in the group stages.
• This will also be Madagascar’s third meeting with East African opposition.

Team Performance and Statistics

Kenya

• Goals and Conversion: Kenya has scored four goals from 13 shots on target, giving them a 15.38% conversion rate.
• Discipline: The team has committed 49 fouls and received two red cards.
• Tournament Record: Kenya has reached the quarterfinals in their debut CHAN appearance. They are aiming to be the first debutants since Madagascar in 2022 to reach the semi-finals.
• Group Stage: They went unbeaten in the group stage with three wins and one draw.
• Defense: Kenya has conceded only one goal, giving them the joint-best defensive record among all quarter-finalists, alongside Tanzania, Senegal, and Sudan.
• Attack: They have scored the fewest goals (four) among teams that played four group games. However, they are the only side to have scored in every game.
• Goal Scorers: The goals are shared between Austin Odhiambo (2) and Ryan Ogam (2).
• Goal Timing: Three of their four goals were scored in the first half, with only one in the second half.
• Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi has made 11 saves and has two clean sheets in three games, while Faruk Shikhalo has one clean sheet against Zambia.

Madagascar

Goalkeeper: Goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa has made 17 saves, the most in the tournament.

Goals and Conversion: Madagascar has scored five goals with a 14.71% conversion rate from 14 shots on target.

Discipline: The team has committed 55 fouls and has one red card.

Tournament Record: This is their fifth game at CHAN 2024, matching their total from their 2022 debut. This is their second-ever quarter-final appearance.

Group Stage: They did not win their first two group matches but won their last two against the Central African Republic and Burkina Faso.

Knockout Stage: Their record in knockout matches is two wins and one loss.

Clean Sheets: They have two clean sheets in the 2024 tournament, matching their total from their 2022 campaign.

Key Players: Fenohasina Razafimaro scored the fastest goal for Madagascar at CHAN (6:02 vs. Burkina Faso). Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa has been involved in four goals (two goals, two assists) in three games and has scored in their last two matches.

For Kenya, the challenge will be to maintain their perfect run as they look to make history on home soil.

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