Madagascar reach CHAN final with late stunner against Sudan
...They will be seeking their first-ever CHAN championship
Amid a thrilling semifinal encounter at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Madagascar secured a historic 1-0 victory over Sudan in the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
Playing with one man down, the resilient island nation advanced to their first-ever CAF final at the senior level after Toky Rakotondraibe’s decisive goal in the closing minutes of extra time.
The breakthrough came in the 115th minute when Rakotondraibe, who entered as a substitute in the 64th minute, found the back of the net with an assist from Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa.
This crucial goal came against all odds, as Madagascar had been reduced to ten men following Fenohasina Razafimaro’s red card in the 78th minute.
The match was intensely physical, with nine yellow cards distributed throughout – five for Madagascar and four for Sudan.
Both teams struggled to create meaningful chances during regular time, with Sudan missing a golden opportunity in the 89th minute when captain Walieldin Khidir blasted over the bar with an open goal at his mercy.
Madagascar was forced into an early substitution when Andy Rakotondrajoa suffered a muscle injury just four minutes into the match, bringing on Harison Randrianantenaina.
This was just one of several challenges the Barea team had to overcome en route to their historic victory.
The Sudanese, appearing in their third CHAN semifinal after previous attempts in 2011 and 2018, remain winless at this stage of the competition.
Despite having the numerical advantage for the final 42 minutes of play, they couldn’t capitalize against Madagascar’s determined defense.
This victory continues Madagascar’s impressive knockout stage record, now standing at three wins and one loss. This marks their second consecutive CHAN semifinal appearance, following their 1-0 defeat to eventual champions Senegal in 2022.
The two teams were familiar foes, having previously met in the group stages of the 2022 edition, where Madagascar defeated Sudan 3-0.
Both teams entered the semifinal in good form, with Madagascar losing just once in their previous six matches and Sudan unbeaten in four games.
Madagascar’s journey to the semifinal included an impressive victory over hosts Kenya in the quarterfinals. After Razafimaro equalized in the 69th minute, they prevailed 4-3 on penalties.
Sudan’s path featured a tense quarterfinal against Algeria that also went to penalties.
With this victory, Madagascar became only the second COSAFA member to reach a CHAN final after Angola in 2011, and the first island nation to do so.
They will face Morocco in the championship match, seeking to continue their historic run in the tournament.
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