Kenya’s Harambee Stars are on the verge of history as they prepare to battle Madagascar in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarterfinals on Friday at the Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani.
It will be the first time in 38 years that Kenya competes in the knockout stage of a major continental tournament, and the mood across Nairobi is electric. But head coach Benni McCarthy is urging calm.
“This is a massive occasion not just for the players and coaches, but for the country,” McCarthy said on Thursday. “None of these players has ever been here before, so the key is staying calm and not letting the moment overwhelm us.”
The Stars booked their place in the last eight after an impressive group stage, taking 10 points from four matches with three wins and a draw — all played at Kasarani.
McCarthy, however, is under no illusions about the challenge ahead. Madagascar topped a group that included heavyweights Morocco and DR Congo, underlining their pedigree.
“We know it’s a tough opponent, but our group wasn’t easy either. That gives us belief,” McCarthy explained. “We’ve studied Madagascar and we have a plan — discipline and composure will be key.”
Kenya’s players are also determined not to get carried away. Defender Daniel Sakari stressed the importance of shutting out distractions.
“We’re not bothered by noise from fans or social media,” the Kenya Police FC right-back said. “Our eyes are firmly on the game. The goal is clear — reach the semifinals.”
Madagascar are no strangers to upsetting the odds. They finished third at CHAN 2022 in Algeria, and head coach Romuald Felix Rakotondrabe believes that experience gives his side confidence, even against a partisan Kasarani crowd.
“Kenya are strong, compact and quick in transition, but anything can happen in a quarterfinal,” he said.
Forward Nantenaina ‘Tony’ Elysee Randriamanampisoa echoed his coach’s confidence: “The atmosphere will be tough, but we see it as motivation. We want to win and continue making history.”
While Kenya have thrived on home soil, Madagascar — who played their entire group stage in Dar es Salaam — have been acclimating to Nairobi’s altitude and conditions over the past two days.
Rakotondrabe is confident his squad is ready: “My players are prepared for battle.”
With Kasarani expected to roar from the first whistle, both sides are 90 minutes away from writing new chapters in their football story.
For Kenya, it could mean ending nearly four decades of waiting for knockout-stage success. For Madagascar, it could be the continuation of a remarkable fairytale.
