CHAN 2024: Harambee Stars vs Madagascar Starting XI Announced

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has named his starting XI as Kenya prepares to face Madagascar in the CHAN 2024 quarterfinals after topping their group unbeaten.

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named his squad to face Madagascar in their African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarterfinal clash on Friday, August 22.

Harambee Stars made it to the quarterfinals after a fine run in the group stages that saw them finish at the top with 10 points.

Morocco came in second with nine as DR Congo and Angola finished third and fourth with six and four points respectively. Zambia finished bottom of the group with zero points.

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CHAN 2024: How Did Harambee Stars Fair in the Group Stages

Harambee Stars started their campaign with a 1-0 win over two-time champions DR Congo, before they held Angola to a 1-1 draw in their second match, with Austin Odhiambo finding the back of the net in both matches.

They went on to edge two-time champions Morocco 1-0 before wrapping up their campaign with another 1-0 win over Zambia, with Tusker FC striker Ryan Ogam scoring in both games.

CHAN 2024: Harambee Stars vs Madagascar

Now, Harambee Stars head into the quarterfinal ready to make a mark, with the match scheduled for the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Madagascar will be making their second appearance in the tournament, having secured a bronze medal in the 2022 edition of the African Nations Championship.

Their opening match against Mauritania ended in a goalless draw, before they fell 2-1 to the co-hosts, Tanzania's Taifa Stars.

Madagascar then went on to secure a 2-0 victory over the Central African Republic (CAR) before winning 2-1 against Burkina Faso in their final group stage match.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Benni McCarthy admitted that going into the match having enjoyed an unbeaten streak gives the players confidence, since they have also been up against very formidable opponents.

“This is a massive occasion not just for the players and coaches, but for the country as well,” McCarthy said in the pre-match press conference.

“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’ve studied Madagascar well and we have a plan. Our focus is to take the game step by step, stay disciplined, and give our best.”

Benni McCarthy Names Starting 11 for Kenya vs Madagascar

Harambee Stars Starting XI :Bryne Omondi (GK), Abud Omar (C), Michael Kibwage, Alphonse Omija, Alpha Chris Onyango, Boniface Muchiri, Lewis Bandi, Ryan Ogam, Ben Stanley Omondi, Suleiman Manzur, Marvin Nabwire

Subs: Shikhakalo Faruk, Mohamed Siraj Siraj, David Odongo Otieno, Bryan Mwirigi, Osmond Adongo, Austin Odhiambo Otieno, Felix Oluoch, Ibrahim Daniel Tony, David Ochieng Ochieng, John Okoth, Sylvester Owino, Geoffrey Ojunga

Madagascar Starting XI: Ramandimbisoa Lalainiranjaka Michel (GK), Rianalimanolo Nicolas Randrianamanjisoa, Heriniaina Toky Randriamirindra, Nanteniaina Elysee Randrianampisoa, Noe Mena Rafenomezantsoa, Fenohasina Gilles Razafimaharo, Andriamalala Andriamirado, Nanteniarina Mika Razafimiantana, Jean Luc Rakotson, Bond Stephano Randriamiirehitra, Rado Niaina Rabemanantsoa

Substitutes: Hajaitiana Ratsiembazafy, Nanteniaina Andy Rakotondrajoa, Sylvain Felicite Manohisoa, Jean Hery Rajaoanarivelo, Onjaniaina Patrick Hasinirina, Riana Mananjiosoa, Jaonison Patrick Randriamananeta, Tsilavisoa Berini Randrianahovo, Patrick Ravoentin Tonio Ralivelo, Andriatiana Rakoto, Andoniaina Patrick Hasimirina