Madagascar beat Kenya on penalties on Friday to reach the African Nations Championships (Chan) semifinals and end the host nation's remarkable run.
The match ended 1-1 after extra time but the dominant islanders held their nerve to win a dramatic shootout 4-3.
After a goalless first half, Alphonce Omija had given Kenya a deserved lead three minutes into the second half. The hosts would have added a second only for Ryan Ogam's strike to be ruled offside.
Madagascar win it on penalties 🤯🇲🇬
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 22, 2025
They are through to the final four at the #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 ⚡#SSDiski | #SSFootball pic.twitter.com/UmIpu99hDS
Madagascar fought back to level scores in the 69th minute when Gilles Razafimaro stepped up from the spot after midfielder Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa was brought crashing down in the box.
The two sides tried for a breakthrough but neither could find the winner.
Toky Rakotondraibe converted the decisive penalty in the shootout for Madagascar after Omija had missed for the Kenyans.
In Dar es Salaam, two-time champions Morocco pipped Tanzania 1-0 in the second quarterfinal to complete a heartbreaking night for the tournament co-hosts.
The two-time winners are through to the #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 semi-finals 🏆🔥#SSDiski | #SSFootball pic.twitter.com/1tgsC5CIaS
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 22, 2025
Oussama Lamlioui scored the all-important goal in the 65th minute to take his tally to four goals and make him the tournament top scorer.
Tanzania pushed for an equaliser but Morocco held their nerve to reach the semifinal and keep alive hope of capturing the title for a third time.
The second pair of quarterfinals will be played on Saturday.
Co-hosts Uganda face defending champions Senegal in Kampala while Sudan face Algeria at the Amaan stadium in Zanzibar.
