The dream run for the Harambee Stars at their debut African Nations Championship (CHAN) came to a heartbreaking end on Friday, as they fell to Madagascar in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

After a tense 1-1 draw over 120 minutes, Madagascar held their nerve to win 4-3 on spot-kicks, dashing Kenya’s hopes of reaching their first continental semi-final in 38 years.

Despite the stinging defeat, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy expressed immense pride in his team’s performance and spirit throughout the tournament.

“Nothing but proud of what we achieved. The players gave everything every single day in training and every match,” a gracious McCarthy said after the game.

The match, played in front of a capacity crowd, saw Kenya take the lead through a header from Alphonce Omija.

However, Madagascar equalized from the penalty spot, forcing the game into extra time and eventually to the dreaded penalty shootout.

Alphonce Omija, the hero of the day, unfortunately missed his spot-kick, allowing Madagascar’s Toky Rakotondraibe to convert the decisive penalty that sealed their passage to the semi-finals.

McCarthy acknowledged that his team could have won the game earlier had they been more clinical in front of goal.

“It could have been anyone’s game. We are fairly open and disappointed we couldn’t take the chances we had. When you miss your chances at the end of the day you are punished,” he explained.

The team, which scored in every game, never managed to get more than a single goal per match, a fact that proved costly against a composed Madagascar side.

The South African tactician also had special praise for the “incredible” fans, whose unwavering support transformed Nairobi into a fortress for the team.

Looking ahead, McCarthy remains optimistic about the future of Kenyan football, noting that the talent displayed during the tournament was “immense.” “We feel disappointed now but when you look back and see what we achieved topping the toughest group, today was just one hurdle too many,” he concluded, confident that the foundation laid will serve the country well moving forward.

ALSO READ: Madagascar shines on penalties shutters Kenya’s CHAN dream