Madagascar stunned host nation Kenya on Friday, clinching a place in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) semi-finals with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory after a 1-1 draw in Nairobi.
Despite Kenya’s spirited run, their fairytale ended in heartbreak when Alphonce Omija, who had earlier put the hosts ahead in the 48th minute, missed his spot kick in the shootout. Madagascar’s Toky Rakotondraibe calmly converted the decisive penalty to seal victory for the islanders.
Kenya thought they had doubled their advantage when Ryan Ogam found the net, but his effort was ruled offside. The missed chance proved costly as Gilles Razafimaro equalised from the spot in the 69th minute after Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa was fouled in the box.
Meanwhile, in Dar es Salaam, two-time champions Morocco edged Tanzania 1-0 to complete a night of double elimination for the co-hosts. Oussama Lamlioui struck in the 65th minute to notch his fourth goal of the tournament, securing Morocco’s progress and cementing his status as top scorer.
Tanzania fought back valiantly in front of their home crowd but could not find a way through, leaving Morocco on course for a possible third CHAN crown.
The remaining quarter-finals will be played on Saturday, with co-hosts Uganda facing defending champions Senegal in Kampala, while Sudan take on Algeria at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
