Ex-Bafana defender Mark Fish: Harambee Stars’ greatest test against Madagascar is handling pressure

Kenyan football fans cheer during Harambee Stars' 1-0 win over Morocco in their third CHAN 2024 Group A match at the Kasarani Stadium on August 10, 2025. (Photo: FKF)

By Erick Kariuki
Thursday, August 21, 2025

Kenya, inspired by an unbeaten run and a charged home crowd, will be seeking to extend their fairytale journey in the tournament when it battles Madagascar for a place in the semifinals.

Former Bafana Bafana defender Mark Fish has cautioned that Harambee Stars’ greatest test in their African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarterfinal tie against Madagascar will not be on the pitch, but in how they handle the weight of expectation from the home crowd.

Speaking on Thursday during a Technical Insights Discussion, Fish said the players must remain composed and disciplined to withstand the pressure that comes with hosting.

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“The biggest challenge will be the expectations of the people inside the stadium. On the field, not many things will happen differently. The organisation and discipline will be the same, but on the expectations of the people inside the stadium, we will see how the players will react to that,” Fish said.

Kenya will face Madagascar at 5:00 pm, East African Time, on Friday, August 22, at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Fish, who made 62 appearances for South Africa and is part of CAF’s Technical Study Group for the month-long tournament, expressed confidence in his former national teammate Benni McCarthy, who is now coaching Harambee Stars. He noted that Kenya has shown resilience and tactical discipline throughout the group stage, which should help them handle the challenges ahead in the quarterfinals against Madagascar.

“If I were Kenyan, I would be expecting the Harambee Stars to win the match. After all, they beat DR Congo and Morocco to top a tough Group A,” Fish said.

“They [Kenya] can neutralise Madagascar’s stamina by being disciplined and patient.”

Kenya remains unbeaten in the competition, having conceded only once. Fish credited McCarthy for implementing a calm and tactical approach that has carried the hosts to the last eight.

“I played with Benni and Moeneeb Josephs [Kenya’s goalkeeper trainer], and I know how they will be in the dressing room. They will have the players fired up, and it will be an active and busy day out there. He is a tactical genius; his squad rotation has kept his players fresh, involved, and happy,” he said.

Fish also lauded the Harambee Stars for navigating what he termed the “group of death,” where they finished top despite disciplinary setbacks.

“It is always good to see the host nation surpassing expectations. Kenya came out of a group of death, probably in the hardest possible way. Getting a man sent off in the second match, another in the third, they did it the hard way,” he said.

Kenya had to play over 70 minutes with ten men in their second match after Marvin Nabwire was sent off in the 21st minute against Angola. In their third fixture, Chris Erambo was shown a straight red card late in the first half, moments after Rayan Ogam had put the Stars ahead.

The 51-year-old also pointed to the role of fans, urging them to continue rallying behind the team as the knockout stages begin.

“The fans have always pushed the team. The fans are always confident and passionate, and this is key for the national team. As Kenyans, you now expect your team to win. Keep supporting them because the games are going to get tougher,” he said.

Fish further singled out teenage forward Rayan Ogam as one of the standout performers of CHAN.