Heartbreak for Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy as Kenya crash out of 2024 CHAN after losing to ex-Kaizer Chiefs star's Madagascar in quarter-final clash

Kenya's bid to win the 2024 African Nations Championship ended on Friday after they were knocked out of the competition at the quarter-final stage by Madagascar, whose star midfielder is former Kaizer Chiefs star Arohasina Andrianarimanana, at Moi International Sports Centre. 

The East Africans looked on course to reach the semi-finals when Alphonce Omija thrust them ahead three minutes into the second half.

But Fenohasina Razafimaro levelled for Madagascar from the penalty spot on 69 minutes before the contest spilled into extra time after a 1-1 draw.

The two sides could not be separated in that period and the match went to penalty shootouts, where the islanders won 4-3. 

It was the end of the road for Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy's Harambee Stars side, which was up against Madagascar, who have some of their players as semi-professional footballers.  

Making it disappointing for Kenya is that they are tournament co-hosts together with Tanzania and Uganda. 

They were ejected from their own party and will now be spectators as Madagascar have so far made a big impression in this competition. 

Madagascar now focus on the semi-finals, where they meet the quarter-final winner between Sudan and Algeria. 

McCarthy will start preparing his Kenya for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against the Gambia and Seychelles.