Latest news with #CHAN)PAMOJA2024
CAF
7 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Draw brings joy for Madagascar, frustration for Mauritania
While Madagascar coach Romuald Rakotondrabe found reasons to celebrate a hard-earned point, his Mauritanian counterpart Aritz López Garay left the pitch frustrated and disappointed after their opening Group B clash at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 ended in a goalless draw. Madagascar, who were reduced to 10 men before half-time following a red card to captain Dax, held firm against a Mauritania side that failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage in front of a packed stadium on Sunday night. Pride in Adversity for Madagascar's Rakotondrabe Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe praised the character and spirit of his players, calling the result a moral victory under the circumstances. 'It was a difficult match for us. Playing with 10 men from the 39th minute was not easy. I congratulate the players on their performance,' he said during the post-match press conference. The sending off of captain Dax late in the first half shifted the momentum of the game and forced Madagascar to take a defensive approach. But Rakotondrabe insisted that the result was acceptable given the situation. 'The result may satisfy us a little. Getting one point is important, because it is difficult to play with 10 players against Mauritania, so I am a little satisfied with the result achieved.' Acknowledging the void left by Dax's absence, he added: 'He is our captain and important to us, and it is difficult that he received a red card. It is unfortunate that this happened to us.' However, the coach concluded his remarks with optimism for the future of his team in the competition. 'I am proud of what we did against Mauritania. We will now prepare for the second match and focus on giving our best.' His words reflected a sense of unity and discipline within the squad, underlining his satisfaction with the team's ability to stand firm and regroup even in the face of adversity. Rakotondrabe also hinted at re-evaluating his tactical approach for the next match, particularly with his captain suspended. Garay Regrets Missed Chances as Draw Feels Like Defeat In contrast, Mauritania coach Aritz López Garay was left to rue his side's inability to convert their dominance into goals, describing the goalless draw as a missed opportunity. 'I have a feeling we lost the match. We played against a team with 10 men and we didn't win. Our players missed several clear scoring opportunities,' he said. The frustration was evident as Garay reflected on the game that many expected Mauritania to win, especially after Madagascar were reduced to 10 men. Looking ahead to their second group game against tournament co-hosts Tanzania—who won their opener against Burkina Faso—the coach called on his players to raise their game. 'There are still three games left, and we have to keep our heads up. We will continue to work hard after this game.' He added: 'Tanzania won the first match, and it might be good for us to play in front of a stadium full of Tanzanian fans. We have to improve our level. This is my job, and I will do it to the best of my ability. We are striving to play a good match, and we will prepare for the upcoming matches.' Despite his disappointment, Garay acknowledged the importance of moving on quickly and refocusing his team's energy on upcoming challenges. He appeared determined to rally his players around the need for offensive precision and tactical discipline. Contrasting Views, Shared Objective The two coaches walked away from the same result with distinctly different emotions—one taking solace in a courageous team performance, the other lamenting a lack of execution in front of goal. Yet, both Rakotondrabe and Garay are united by a common aim: to guide their teams out of Group B and deeper into the tournament. With more group matches to play, including a crucial showdown with hosts Tanzania on the horizon for Mauritania, and Madagascar seeking to build on this performance, the path forward remains uncertain—but certainly not closed. What both coaches made clear is that their squads must react positively—mentally and tactically—to ensure they remain in contention for a knockout spot. As the first round of Group B fixtures concludes, the group remains wide open. Every point gained—or missed—could prove decisive in what is shaping up to be one of the most tightly contested groups of the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024.
CAF
7 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Captain sent off, but Ramandimbozwa keeps Madagascar dreams alive
Michel Ramandimbozwa stood tall for Madagascar on Sunday evening, putting in a commanding performance between the posts to earn a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Mauritania in their opening fixture of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024. The goalkeeper's standout display at the heart of the Barea defence earned him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award and played a vital role in lifting his side, especially after they were reduced to ten men late in the first half. A wall when it mattered most Ramandimbozwa's contribution was immediate and emphatic, as he made a string of critical saves early on, setting the tone for a defiant display by the island nation. One of his most impressive interventions came just minutes into the match, when he reacted sharply to parry away a powerful effort from Mohamed Houbout. Later in the second half, with Mauritania pressing relentlessly for a winner, he denied Moulay Ahmed Khalil in a tense one-on-one situation that reaffirmed his dominance on the night. Despite playing most of the match a man down, Ramandimbozwa's leadership and concentration helped keep the team composed. His ability to read the game and command his box under sustained pressure proved vital, as the Malagasy defence, bolstered by their shot-stopper's heroics, held firm. Responding to adversity after captain's dismissal The momentum of the match shifted dramatically before half-time when Madagascar captain Dax was shown a red card. The numerical disadvantage added immense pressure to the Barea, but it also seemed to ignite Ramandimbozwa's spirit. Speaking at the post-match press conference, the goalkeeper acknowledged the emotional toll of the sending-off while expressing gratitude for the collective response of the team. 'I thank God for the match we played and the result achieved,' Ramandimbozwa said. 'Our players suffered because of the red card that the team captain received. It was not easy, but we stayed united and focused.' His leadership from the back not only helped organise the defence but also provided psychological reassurance to his teammates, especially the younger players on the pitch. Personal pride in performance Named Man of the Match among 22 players on the field, Ramandimbozwa was visibly moved by the recognition. 'I am proud and happy for our team, all the players, and also for our coach,' he said. 'I say thank you to the Malagasy people.' The 28-year-old goalkeeper said he was pleased with both his individual performance and the team's overall response to the challenge: 'I am satisfied with the result and also with my performance, especially since it was our first match. It sets the tone for the rest of the tournament.' A platform for the future While some might see a goalless draw as modest, Ramandimbozwa believes it is a valuable point under the circumstances. With three group games still to play, the goalkeeper insists the team remains focused and motivated:'The draw is still important for us. Now there are three matches left, and we will try to do our best.' Madagascar will be aiming to go even further than their third-place finish in the 2022 edition of CHAN—a campaign that marked their best-ever run in the tournament. Sunday's performance suggests that they remain contenders, and Ramandimbozwa's form provides a solid foundation for their ambitions. Symbol of belief and resilience For Madagascar, Ramandimbozwa's heroics go beyond a single result. His performance against Mauritania serves as a rallying point for the squad, demonstrating that even under duress, the Barea have the mettle to stand tall on the continental stage. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the experienced goalkeeper, whose calm presence and shot-stopping ability could prove vital in Madagascar's quest for CHAN glory.
CAF
03-08-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Kenya seal historic win over two-time champions DR Congo in CHAN bow
Published: Sunday, 03 August 2025 Kenya marked their long-awaited debut at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a statement 1-0 victory over two-time champions DR Congo at a sold-out Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi on Sunday. Austin Odhiambo's first-half strike proved decisive in a tightly-contested Group A opener that saw the hosts overcome a nervy start and assert their place on the continental stage in front of an electric home crowd. The TotalEnergies CHAN is a biennial tournament exclusively reserved for players who compete in their country's domestic leagues, offering a platform for emerging local talents to shine—and Kenya's new generation did not disappoint. After a disallowed goal for DR Congo in the fifth minute—Jephté Kitambala's strike ruled out for offside following a VAR review—Kenya settled into the match, buoyed by vocal support from 60,000 fans in the stands. Despite DR Congo dominating early possession, the hosts remained disciplined and grew into the game. The breakthrough came just before the break when Odhiambo latched onto a pass from David Sakwa in the 45+2 minute, coolly guiding a left-footed shot into the bottom corner beyond Brudel Efonge. It was a goal that lifted the roof off the stadium and symbolised a changing of the guard—Kenya, making their CHAN finals debut, had taken the lead against one of the tournament's most successful sides. DR Congo, who had failed to score in the 2022 edition and were determined to rewrite the script under Otis Ngoma, pushed for an equaliser in the second half. They dominated set-pieces and came close through headers from Jonathan Mokonzi and Kitambala, but Kenya's defence held firm. Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi made a crucial save in the 59th minute, tipping Heltone Kayembe's powerful drive over the bar, while defenders Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija repelled a late barrage of Congolese corners. Kenya's head coach Benni McCarthy made a series of tactical substitutions to shore up the midfield and protect the lead, introducing the likes of Mike Kibwage and Marvin Nabwire to steady the team in the final 15 minutes. Seven minutes of stoppage time tested Kenyan nerves, but the hosts held on to register a memorable first-ever CHAN victory, becoming only the third debutant nation to win their opening match in the tournament's history. For DR Congo, the defeat extends their winless run in the competition to five matches, leaving them with plenty to do in their remaining Group A fixtures. Kenya next face Angola on Thursday, while DR Congo will seek redemption against Morocco.
CAF
03-08-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Kenya seal historic over two-time champions DR Congo in CHAN bow
Published: Sunday, 03 August 2025 Kenya marked their long-awaited debut at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a statement 1-0 victory over two-time champions DR Congo at a sold-out Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi on Sunday. Austin Odhiambo's first-half strike proved decisive in a tightly-contested Group A opener that saw the hosts overcome a nervy start and assert their place on the continental stage in front of an electric home crowd. The TotalEnergies CHAN is a biennial tournament exclusively reserved for players who compete in their country's domestic leagues, offering a platform for emerging local talents to shine—and Kenya's new generation did not disappoint. After a disallowed goal for DR Congo in the fifth minute—Jephté Kitambala's strike ruled out for offside following a VAR review—Kenya settled into the match, buoyed by vocal support from 60,000 fans in the stands. Despite DR Congo dominating early possession, the hosts remained disciplined and grew into the game. The breakthrough came just before the break when Odhiambo latched onto a pass from David Sakwa in the 45+2 minute, coolly guiding a left-footed shot into the bottom corner beyond Brudel Efonge. It was a goal that lifted the roof off the stadium and symbolised a changing of the guard—Kenya, making their CHAN finals debut, had taken the lead against one of the tournament's most successful sides. DR Congo, who had failed to score in the 2022 edition and were determined to rewrite the script under Otis Ngoma, pushed for an equaliser in the second half. They dominated set-pieces and came close through headers from Jonathan Mokonzi and Kitambala, but Kenya's defence held firm. Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi made a crucial save in the 59th minute, tipping Heltone Kayembe's powerful drive over the bar, while defenders Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija repelled a late barrage of Congolese corners. Kenya's head coach Benni McCarthy made a series of tactical substitutions to shore up the midfield and protect the lead, introducing the likes of Mike Kibwage and Marvin Nabwire to steady the team in the final 15 minutes. Seven minutes of stoppage time tested Kenyan nerves, but the hosts held on to register a memorable first-ever CHAN victory, becoming only the third debutant nation to win their opening match in the tournament's history. For DR Congo, the defeat extends their winless run in the competition to five matches, leaving them with plenty to do in their remaining Group A fixtures. Kenya next face Angola on Thursday, while DR Congo will seek redemption against Morocco.
CAF
02-08-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Kenya v DR Congo: Hosts set for litmus test in high-stakes Group A showdown
The Harambee Stars of Kenya will begin their historic journey in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 on Sunday with a mouthwatering Group A clash against two-time champions DR Congo at the iconic Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi. This opening fixture marks Kenya's return to the continental stage and promises to set the tone for what is expected to be one of the most competitive editions of the tournament to date. With five nations battling for just two quarter-final slots in Group A, every match takes on added significance — and the hosts are under pressure to deliver from the very first whistle. Kenya: Resilience tested as McCarthy's men eye dream start For head coach Benni McCarthy, Sunday's match represents the culmination of months of rebuilding and preparation — albeit with notable challenges along the way. Appointed in March, the South African tactician has infused the Harambee Stars with confidence and modern tactical flair, but the team's build-up to the tournament has been marred by unexpected player departures and fitness concerns. Key attackers Moses Shumah and Emmanuel Osoro — the FKF Premier League's top two scorers — were initially part of the squad before sealing moves to Zambian club Power Dynamos. Rising teenage talent Mohamed Bajaber followed suit, completing a high-profile transfer to Simba SC in Tanzania on the eve of the competition. In addition, Bandari defender Pamba Swaleh was ruled out due to a medical condition, while Kenya Police midfielder Brian Musa suffered a knee injury, further depleting the squad's depth. McCarthy, however, remains upbeat. 'We've had solid preparations with tremendous backing from the government,' he said during the pre-match press conference. 'Yes, we've faced setbacks, but the players have shown great hunger and drive. Choosing the starting XI has been tough, but I'm confident that whoever takes the pitch will make the country proud.' The team received a massive morale boost with a surprise visit from President William Ruto, who shared breakfast with the squad and announced a substantial incentive package should the team win the tournament. 'The president's gesture has energized the entire group,' McCarthy added. 'We're motivated not just by rewards, but by the pride of representing Kenya on home soil.' DR Congo: Redemption mission begins under Otis Ngoma On the opposite side, DR Congo — the most successful team in CHAN history with two titles (2009 and 2016) — arrive with unfinished business. The Leopards endured a disappointing outing in Algeria two years ago, exiting at the group stage without a single goal. Coach Otis Ngoma Kondi is determined to right those wrongs. 'We are not here for tourism,' he said emphatically. 'It's a competition. The conditions here in Kenya are great, but we're fully focused on football.' Despite a shortened preparation period and only one friendly match before kickoff, Ngoma believes his squad is ready. 'Our first goal is to reach the quarter-finals,' he added. 'We want to erase the memory of Algeria and go as far as possible — maybe even win it for a third time.' Historic clash at a packed Kasarani Kenya and DR Congo have met seven times previously, most recently in friendly matches in 2016, 2017, and 2019. The Harambee Stars won the first two and drew the third 1-1 in Spain. This time, however, the stakes are much higher. The 60,000-capacity Kasarani Stadium is sold out, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric as Kenyan fans rally behind their team. The Leopards, known for their physical style and tactical maturity, will look to quiet the home crowd and impose their experience. Group A outlook Following the DR Congo tie, Kenya will face Angola on Thursday 7 August and Morocco on Sunday 10 August. The Harambee Stars will conclude their group stage campaign against Zambia on 17 August. With powerhouses like Morocco, Angola, and Zambia in the same group, the margin for error is slim. Both teams know that a win on Sunday could be pivotal to their quarter-final hopes. Match Details Fixture: Kenya vs DR Congo Date: Sunday 3 August 2024 Kick-off: 15:00 local time (1200 GMT) Venue: Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi Group: A
