MATCH FACTS: Co-hosts Kenya seek to keep title challenge going

The stage is set for a fascinating clash as debutants and co-hosts Kenya meet tournament regulars Madagascar in the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 on Friday. Kenya and Madagascar are meeting for the first time at the CHAN finals.

Madagascar are the fifth different nation Kenya have faced at the tournament, and the third from Southern Africa.

This is Kenya’s third meeting with a COSAFA member nation after a 1-1 draw with Angola and a 1-0 win over Zambia in the group stage.

Kenya are Madagascar’s 10th different opponent at CHAN.

Madagascar are facing a host nation for the second time; they lost 2-1 to Tanzania earlier in the group stages.
It will also be Madagascar’s third meeting with East African opposition after beating Sudan 3-0 in 2022 and losing to Tanzania this year.

Kenya have scored four goals from 13 shots on target, with a conversion rate of 15.38%. Madagascar have scored five goals with a 14.71% conversion rate from 14 shots on target.

Kenya have committed 49 fouls and had two players sent off, while Madagascar have committed 55 fouls with one red card shown.

Kenya – Key Facts

·       On debut, Kenya have reached the quarterfinals.

·       Aiming to become the first debutants since Madagascar in 2022 to reach the semifinals.

·       Went unbeaten in the group stage (W3 D1), conceding only one goal.

·       Joint best defensive record among quarterfinalists (1 goal conceded, level with Tanzania, Senegal, and Sudan).

·       Scored four goals, the fewest among teams who played four group games.

·       Three clean sheets, the joint most with Tanzania.

·       Yet to score more than once in a match, but the only side to score in every game so far.

·       Goals shared between Austin Odhiambo (2) and Ryan Ogam (2).

·       Boniface Muchiri provided his first assist in the 1-0 win over Zambia.

·       Three of four goals scored in the first half; only one in the second half.

·       Attempted 16 shots (7 on target) in their win over Zambia – their most in a game.

·       Attempted 458 passes against Zambia, completing 388 – their highest tally so far.

·       Goalkeepers Byrne Omondi (11 saves, 2 clean sheets in 3 games) and Faruk Shikhalo (1 clean sheet vs Zambia) have both impressed.

Madagascar – Key Facts

·       Playing their fifth game at CHAN 2024, matching their debut total in 2022.

·       Did not win in their first two group matches but then defeated Central African Republic and Burkina Faso.

·       Looking for a run of three straight wins for the second time; last achieved in 2022.

·       Second-ever quarterfinal appearance after beating Mozambique 3-1 in 2022.

·       Third knockout match overall; record in knockouts stands at P3 W2 L1.

·       Yet to feature in a penalty shoot-out.

·       Two clean sheets in 2024, equal to their total across five games in 2022.

·       Fenohasina Razafimaro scored the fastest goal for Madagascar at CHAN (6:02 vs Burkina Faso).

·       Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa has contributed to four goals in three games (2 goals, 2 assists).

·       Rafanomezantsoa has scored in each of Madagascar’s last two matches.

·       Goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa has made 17 saves, the most in the tournament, including 7 against Burkina Faso.