Madagascar secured their place in an extraordinary first TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) final by narrowly defeating Sudan 1-0 in a gripping semi-final at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday evening.
A late goal from substitute Toky Rakotondraibe in the 116th minute became a defining moment, sealing a dramatic extra-time victory and propelling the Barea into Saturday’s final in Nairobi, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between Morocco and Senegal.
A Tight Battle in Dar es Salaam
With both teams striving for their first appearance in a CHAN final, the match was filled with passion and determination. Madagascar, who reached the semi-finals in 2022, confronted a Sudanese side battling through their third semi-final and overcoming past heartaches in 2011 and 2018.
The match commenced with opportunities for both teams. Sudan’s Mohamed Tia Asad and Mazin Al Bahli tested the resolve of goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa, who stood firm, while Madagascar drew on the tenacity of Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa and Fenohasina Razafimaro to generate chances.
Despite several promising moments, neither team managed to score in the first half. Both coaches—Kwesi Appiah for Sudan and Romuald Rakotondrabe for Madagascar—urged patience and focus, knowing that a single mistake could sway the match.
Second Half
In the second half, Sudan crafted clearer chances. Walieldin Khdir missed a golden header in the 53rd minute, and Mubark Abdalla had an effort blocked in the closing moments of regulation. Madagascar’s best chance came late when Bono Rabearivelo struck narrowly wide from a set-piece. With Sudan’s disciplined defense and goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja leading the way, the game remained goalless as it moved into extra time.
Extra-Time Drama
The extra 30 minutes ignited the spirit of the match. Sudan’s Mohamed Ahmed Saeed and Musa Hussien pressed hard, forcing sharp saves from Ramandimbisoa, while Madagascar unleashed long-range attempts from Randriamanampisoa and Rafanomezantsoa, both thwarted by Abooja.
The moment of triumph arrived in the 116th minute as Rafanomezantsoa skillfully maneuvered into space, passing to Rakotondraibe, who expertly found the bottom corner past Abooja. This goal ignited jubilant celebrations among the Malagasy bench and their passionate supporters.
In the final moments, Sudan surged forward, with Musab Makeen heading wide and Musa Hussien seeing his late attempt blocked, but time was not on their side. The Falcons of Jediane remain on a journey to achieve a CHAN final appearance.
Madagascar midfielder Rijaniaina Nicolas Randriamanampisoa.
A Tale of Resilience and Ambition
For Madagascar, this victory exemplifies their rise as one of Africa’s most inspiring football stories. Having claimed bronze in their debut in 2022, they now stand on the brink of gold and the chance to become the first island nation to reach a CAF senior final.
Coach Rakotondrabe lauded his team’s unity and perseverance: “Our strength lies in togetherness. Today, the players believed until the very end, and this victory is a testament to them and to Madagascar.”
For Sudan, it was another harsh semi-final exit. Coach Appiah expressed before the match that his team focused on bringing joy to the Sudanese people. Although they fell short, their spirited performances have drawn admiration throughout the continent.
Looking Ahead
Madagascar will journey to Nairobi for Saturday’s final at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, where they will face either defending champions Senegal or two-time winners Morocco. Meanwhile, Sudan will compete in the third-place playoff on Friday in Dar es Salaam.
No matter the result, CHAN PAMOJA 2024 has already crafted a powerful narrative—a celebration of Sudan’s resilience in the face of adversity and the remarkable ascent of Madagascar, now just one step away from seizing continental glory.
