The Malagasy coach reflected on a heart-pounding night filled with tension and emotion, admitting that the penalty shoot-out “almost broke my heart.” Yet, he could not ignore the strength and agility his team had exhibited, propelling them into the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.
Kenya’s fairy-tale journey in their CHAN debut concluded with bitter disappointment on Friday, as Madagascar kept their cool in a gripping penalty shoot-out to secure their spot in the semi-finals. The Harambee Stars, fueled by an electric atmosphere from an enthusiastic home crowd at Kasarani, aimed to reach their first continental semi-final in 38 long years.
After a fierce 1-1 draw over 120 minutes, Madagascar triumphed 4-3 in the shoot-out, with Toky Rakotondraibe converting the decisive penalty that sent waves of relief and joy through the Malagasy camp, especially after Alphonce Omija’s miss left the home fans in shock.
A Tactical Masterclass Under Pressure
“We invested a tremendous amount of effort experimenting with various tactics, striving to discover the best approach to dismantle Kenya’s game,” Rakotondrabe explained, his pride evident in every word. “The players demonstrated remarkable dedication, and we had to remain mentally steely.”
Having emerged victorious from a group featuring powerful teams like Morocco and DR Congo, facing the home side was an entirely different beast. The roar of the crowd was palpable, and the coach emphasized the necessity of adaptability. His squad withstood relentless waves of Kenyan attacks, showing resilience and tenacity until Fenohasina Razafimaro leveled the score from the penalty spot, sending the match into a tension-filled extra time and then to the nail-biting shoot-out.
“We knew Kenya would unleash a blitz in front of their fans. We had to make crucial adjustments during the match, and I’m incredibly proud of the discipline the players displayed,” Rakotondrabe added, admiring their composed performance.
Goalkeeper Earns Coach’s Admiration
While strategic finesse provided the backbone for their success, it was goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa who shone like a beacon of hope, delivering the critical saves that ensured Madagascar’s progression. The 25-year-old exhibited nerves of steel, stopping two vital penalty kicks and sparking jubilation among his teammates as they clinched a 4-3 victory in the shoot-out.
“We take immense pride in having him on our side. He has been a cornerstone in every match, and we hope he carries that fighting spirit into the next game,” Rakotondrabe expressed, his eyes gleaming with delight. With more saves than any other goalkeeper in the tournament, Ramandimbisoa’s brilliance has solidified his status as an essential element of the Barea’s enchanting journey.
Penalties Almost Broke My Heart
The Malagasy coach confessed that the suspense of the penalty shoot-out was nearly unbearable, even amidst the elation of victory.
“The penalties were incredibly daunting; they nearly shattered my heart. It’s a torture to face such moments,” he admitted, recalling the intensity of the shoot-out.
Yet, despite the overwhelming tension, the result tasted sweet. Madagascar now stands at the precipice of history, just one match away from reaching the CHAN final for the very first time.
Looking Ahead with Unwavering Belief
For Rakotondrabe, the triumph in Nairobi offered more than just a ticket to the last four—it served as compelling evidence of Madagascar’s ascendancy in African football. Following their bronze medal achievement at CHAN 2022, his team is now resolutely determined to soar even higher.
“The players have shown extraordinary courage under pressure; they’ve proven they can adapt and fight for success. Now, we must carry that same mentality into the semi-finals,” he asserted, his voice brimming with confidence.
Madagascar’s victory dimmed the cheers of the enthusiastic Kasarani crowd but solidified the Barea’s reputation as one of the tournament’s most resilient and spirited teams. Fueled by tactical brilliance and individual heroics, Rakotondrabe has every reason to believe that his side’s fairytale can indeed continue, as they chase their dreams on the continental stage.
