Madagascar booked their place in their maiden African Nations Championship (CHAN) final with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Sudan at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Tanzania.
Substitute Toky Rakotondraibe was the hero, netting the decisive goal in the 116th minute to settle a tense semi-final clash between two sides chasing their first-ever CHAN final appearance.
Madagascar, who finished third on debut in 2022, were up against a seasoned Sudanese side making their third semi-final appearance after falling short in 2011 and 2018.
The match saw chances on both ends. Sudan’s Mohamed Tia Asad and Mazin Al Bahli tested Malagasy goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa, while Madagascar’s Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa and Fenohasina Razafimaro led the offensive efforts for the Barea. Despite the chances, the first half ended goalless, with Sudan looking more threatening after the break.
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Madagascar nearly clinched it in regulation time when Bono Rabearivelo missed narrowly, but Sudan’s goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja made a series of crucial saves to force extra time.
The additional 30 minutes brought late drama. Sudan pushed forward with efforts from Mohamed Ahmed Saeed and Musa Hussien, but Ramandimbisoa remained solid between the posts. Just as the match seemed headed for penalties, Rafanomezantsoa unlocked the Sudanese defense with a clever through ball, allowing Rakotondraibe to calmly slot home the winner.
Sudan mounted a frantic late push, but Madagascar held firm to make history as the first island nation to reach a senior CAF final.
Madagascar will now head to Nairobi for Saturday’s final at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, where they’ll face either defending champions Senegal or two-time winners Morocco. Sudan, meanwhile, will play the third-place playoff on Friday at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Namboole, Kampala.
Madagascar reached the semi-finals after a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Kenya, while Sudan edged past Algeria, also on penalties.
