Friday August 22, 2025
- Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani 5pm
Kenya Harambee Stars will be out to make history when they face Madagascar in the first quarter final of the TotalEnergies Africa Nations Championship 2024.
Benni McCarthy’s men were excellent in the group stages upstaging two-time champions Morocco and DR Congo, as well as Zambia and then drew with Angola.
For Madagascar, they overcame Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Central African Republic to join co-hosts Tanzania as the two teams from group B.
The Harambee Stars are slight favourites playing in front of their home fans but McCarthy has informed his players to stay calm.
“This is a massive occasion not just for the players and coaches, but for the country as well,” McCarthy said on Thursday.
“None of these players has ever been at this stage before, so the most important thing is to stay calm and not let the weight of the moment overwhelm us.
“We know we’re up against a tough opponent. But if you look at the opposition we faced in our group, it wasn’t easy either. That gives us confidence,” he explained.
Madagascar reached the semi-final in the previous edition in Algeria and despite being worried of the harsh environment expected against them from the partisan crowd.
Head coach Romuald Felix Rakotondrabe is confident of his players’ abilities to stun the hosts.
“We’re here because of hard work, and facing Kenya at home will be tough. But that motivates us even more,” Rakotondrabe said.
“Kenya is strong technically and tactically, very compact and quick in transition. It won’t be easy, but this is a quarterfinal — anything can happen, even away from home.”
In case Kenya edges Madagascar, it will be more than a successful debut appearance for the Kenyans.