Kenya Pushes CAF Over Controversial the African Nations Championship Quarterfinal Loss | OneFootball

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·25 August 2025

Kenya Pushes CAF Over Controversial the African Nations Championship Quarterfinal Loss

Article image:Kenya Pushes CAF Over Controversial the African Nations Championship Quarterfinal Loss

Former Nairobi Governor Sonko Calls for Nullification and Officials’ Suspension

Photo: Harambee Stars

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Kenya’s elimination from the African Nations Championship CHAN quarterfinals has sparked major controversy after former Nairobi governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko lodged formal complaint with the Confederation of African Football CAF.

The Harambee Stars bowed out 4 - 3 on penalties to Madagascar on Friday 22 August at Kasarani Stadium after 1 - 1 draw. But the result has been overshadowed by heated debate over refereeing decisions that many Kenyan fans and officials insist denied the hosts fair chance to progress.

Disputed calls

Two incidents form the crux of Sonko’s protest:

  1. Disallowed goals ـــــ Kenya’s Ryan Ogam appeared to have doubled the lead early in the 2nd half but referee Adelbert Diouf of Senegal ruled it out for alleged foul in the build-up. Sonko’s legal team argues that at least 2 legitimate goal were wrongly annulled without proper VAR consultation.
  2. Madagascar penalty ـــــ Defender Lewis Bandi was judged to have handled the ball in the area leading to Madagascar’s equaliser. The decision has been described as "harsh" & game changing.

Through lawyers Sonko submitted complaint within CAF’s 48 hour deadline citing the CAF Statute.

The petition demands:

  • Nullification of the penalty shootout result.
  • Recognition of Kenya’s disallowed goals.
  • In the alternative .. a full replay of the quarterfinal clash.
  • Suspension & reprimand of the match officials for alleged bias and breach of CAF’s Code of Conduct.

Sonko also asked CAF to suspend the semi final between Madagascar & Sudan until the complaint's determined.

Next steps

CAF's acknowledged receipt of the protest which has also been served to Madagascar & the Football Kenya Federation FKF.

The case adds unexpected twist to CHAN 2025 with both the semi finals and refereeing standards across African football now under sharp scrutiny.

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