The 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarterfinals witnessed a thrilling encounter between host nation Kenya and Madagascar, ultimately concluding in a penalty shootout victory for the island nation. Held on Friday, the match saw Kenya initially take the lead early in the second half, courtesy of Alphonce Omija’s strike. However, Madagascar rallied back to equalize through a penalty converted by Gilles Razafimaro, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. With neither team able to break the deadlock in extra time, the match proceeded to penalties, where Madagascar emerged victorious with a 4-3 scoreline, thanks to Toky Rakotondraibe’s decisive spot-kick following a miss by Kenya’s Omija. This victory propelled Madagascar into the semi-finals, marking the end of Kenya’s impressive run in the tournament.
In another quarterfinal clash, two-time CHAN champions Morocco secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against co-hosts Tanzania. Oussama Lamlioui’s 65th-minute goal proved to be the difference between the two sides, further solidifying his position as the tournament’s top scorer with four goals. Despite Tanzania’s relentless efforts to find an equalizer, the Moroccan defense held firm, ensuring their progression to the semi-finals and keeping their hopes of a third CHAN title alive. This defeat added to the disappointment for the Tanzanian fans, following Kenya’s earlier exit from the competition.
The Friday matches brought an end to the campaigns of both host nations, Kenya and Tanzania, who had shown promise throughout the tournament. Kenya’s spirited performance against Madagascar, despite their eventual loss, demonstrated their growth and potential in African football. Similarly, Tanzania’s narrow defeat against a formidable Moroccan side highlighted their competitiveness on the continental stage. While their journeys in the CHAN 2020 ended prematurely, both nations can take pride in their performances and look forward to future tournaments with optimism.
The remaining quarterfinal matches, scheduled for Saturday, promised further excitement and drama. Co-hosts Uganda were set to face defending champions Senegal in Kampala, while Sudan and Algeria would battle it out at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. These fixtures presented intriguing matchups, with Uganda aiming to leverage their home advantage against the experienced Senegalese side, while Sudan and Algeria sought to secure their places in the last four. The outcomes of these matches would determine the final semi-final lineup and shape the trajectory of the tournament’s climax.
Madagascar’s triumph over Kenya showcased their resilience and tactical prowess, demonstrating their ability to compete against strong opposition. Their journey to the semi-finals underscored their growing stature in African football and signaled their intent to make a significant impact in the tournament. Morocco’s victory against Tanzania, on the other hand, reinforced their status as one of the continent’s footballing powerhouses. Their consistent performances throughout the competition highlighted their experience and tactical discipline, further emphasizing their ambition to claim a record third CHAN title.
The 2020 CHAN quarterfinals lived up to their billing, providing thrilling matches and dramatic moments. The victories by Madagascar and Morocco set the stage for an exciting semi-final stage, with both teams eager to progress further in the tournament. While the journeys of Kenya and Tanzania came to an end, their performances throughout the competition demonstrated their progress and potential, offering hope for a brighter future in African football. The remaining quarterfinal matches promised more excitement and intrigue, with the eventual winners joining Madagascar and Morocco in the battle for the coveted CHAN title.
