Kenya vs Madagascar: Can Benni McCarthy Men Dance Past the Island Tricksters?

Kenya national team Harambee Stars will on Friday, August 22, march into Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani not just with boots laced and jerseys pressed, but with dreams stitched firmly to their sleeves.

Benni McCarthy's fairy-tale run in their debut African Nations Championship (CHAN) now faces the cheeky Barea of Madagascar, a side that has made a habit of gate-crashing African football parties.

If you thought Kenya’s unbeaten group-stage run was dramatic, wait until you hear about Madagascar. They survived a red card against Mauritania, swallowed a 2–1 punch from Tanzania, and then came roaring back with two straight wins, including a last-gasp stunner against Burkina Faso.

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In short, the Barea are like that stubborn boda boda rider who keeps overtaking you in traffic no matter how many shortcuts you take — they just don’t go away.

Coach Romuald “Rôro” Rakotondrabe of Madagascar is a tactical magician, alternating between a 4-3-3 and a 3-5-2 faster than Nairobi matatus switch routes during rush hour. His talisman, forward John Christiano Razafimanana, has legs that move like Safaricom bundles disappearing at month’s end.

Add in midfielder Nomena Lalaina, already with two goals, and veteran goalkeeper Michel “Toldo” Ramandimbisoa — who, at 39, is still pulling saves that defy physics — and you see why Kenya must keep their guard up.

But Harambee Stars under Benni McCarthy are no pushovers. Having topped Group A, they arrive with confidence, discipline, and just enough tactical mischief to unsettle anyone. Their 1–0 triumph over Zambia was less about flair and more about grit — the kind of win you celebrate with strong Kenyan tea rather than champagne.

McCarthy himself has become a master motivator, declaring this campaign “a victory for the nation and the badge.” In his words, the team plays like “brothers,” which probably explains why they pass the ball even when an empty net is staring them in the face.

The stakes? Huge. A semi-final berth would not just cement Kenya’s place among CHAN heavyweights but also keep alive the dream of lifting the crown in their maiden outing.

For fans, the buildup has already turned towns into mini-stadiums, with hashtags like #RoadToGlory and #HarambeeStars trending from Kisumu to Garissa.

Come Friday, expect ninety minutes of suspense, drama, and maybe a few comical misses that will dominate memes for days.

One thing is certain: whether Kenya marches on or Madagascar springs a surprise, this match will serve pure African football magic — with a dash of laughter for the fans.