CHAN2024: Madagascar goalkeeper unfazed by vociferous Kenyan fans
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 22.08.25. | 08:03
The match will be staged at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani- the venue where Kenyan fans have thronged in their group matches and cheered their team to an unbeaten run and a top spot in Group A
Despite Harambee Stars fans creating a raucous atmosphere at Kasarani Stadium, Madagascar goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa has stated that he is not worried about Kenya's passionate spectators ahead of their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-final clash.
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The Barea of Madagascar booked a date with the Harambee Stars after both teams progressed to the last eight - a match scheduled for Friday, 22 August, from 1700 hrs.
The match will be staged at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani- the venue where Kenyan fans have thronged in their group matches and cheered their team to an unbeaten run and a top spot in Group A.
Kenya will once again have the same advantage on Friday evening, but Michel, who spoke to the press during Madagascar's last training session at the Police Sacco Stadium, said the team will be in familiar territory
“We are used to playing in large crowds, and so the atmosphere in Kasarani will not intimidate us,” said Michel.
Throughout the tournament, the 39-year-old has been a testament to the belief that goalkeepers get better as they age.
The Elgeco Plus FC goalkeeper has been able to produce outstanding performances that have seen him being named Man of the Match three times - the highest in the tournament, a feat he says he was prepared to achieve.
“Winning the three Man of the Match trophies was one of my goals coming into this tournament and is my way of helping my team,” he added.
Michel will once again be required to be at his best if Madagascar are to beat Kenya and proceed to the semi-finals and maybe better the third-place finish they achieved in the last edition.
In that 2022 edition that was held in Algeria, Madagascar were eliminated in the semi-final by eventual winners Senegal, but a 1-0 win against Niger in the third-place playoff won the Islanders a bronze medal.
The quarter-final match against Kenya will have an increased number of supporters compared to Kenya's last match against Zambia after CAF increased the spectator capacity at Kasarani Stadium from 60% (27,000 fans) to 80% (38,400 fans).
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