Stars intensify training ahead of historic CHAN quarter final clash against Madagascar.

Stars head coach Benni McCarthy during a training session at Kasarani stadium PHOTO/FKF

Harambee Stars have stepped up training as their quest for a historic African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) continues against Madagascar in the quarterfinals on Friday, 22 August 2025, at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Stadium.

Stars, who are playing in their maiden CHAN tournament, beat Zambia 1-0 in the final preliminary clash on Sunday, 17 August 2025, to secure top spot in Group B with 10 points, one better than Morocco.

The result saw Stars book the islanders, who finished runners-up in Pool B with 7 points, three behind hosts Tanzania.

Highly motivated, Stars received Sh3 million after President William Ruto honoured his promise for a win by handing them Sh2.5 million, while former Prime Minister Raila Odinga added Sh500,000.

Hosts Stars, ranked 109th in the latest FIFA standings, start as favourites on paper against the 115th-ranked Madagascar.

McCarthy believes football is a 90-minute affair, and they will give their best to win.

“We didn’t come here to participate, we came to compete, and after topping the group of death that had two former champions Morocco and DR Congo, the unpredictable Angola and Zambia. Any team that faces Kenya should be ready for a fight,” McCarthy declared.

“With home advantage at Kasarani Stadium, the Stars are ready to shine brighter and push all the way,” said McCarthy.

Kenya has a clean bill of health after the return of striker Masoud Juma, who came back from injury to face Zambia, while Chrisphine Erambo returns after serving his two-match ban for a straight red card against Angola in the second fixture.

The South African has kept everyone guessing in the last four matches, having tinkered with the line-up regularly, and is expected to do the same on Friday.

Goalkeeper Bryne Omondi is likely to return in goal, while defender Sylvester Owino, the only player to feature in all four matches, may partner either Alphonse Omija or Mike Kibwage.

Daniel Sakari may get the nod at right back, while captain Masoud Juma starts on the opposite flank. Mansour Okwaro, Alpha Onyango, Boniface Muchiri and Austin Odhiambo will marshal the midfield, while Ryan Ogam and Masoud Juma will start upfront.

Meanwhile, “the Bareas” finished second in Group B with 7 points, having lost once against Tanzania, drawn once and won twice in a pool that also had Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic.

Stars will have to watch out for Michel Toldo, who won Man of the Match in three consecutive games against Burkina Faso, CAR, and Mauritania.

While Kenya are debutants, Madagascar were bronze medallists in the last CHAN 2022 edition held in Algeria, with a 1-0 win over Niger in their first appearance.