Madagascar carved out a historic milestone in African football on Tuesday night, reaching their first-ever TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) final with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Sudan at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
Super-sub Toky Rakotondraibe struck in the 116th minute, sealing the Barea’s passage to Saturday’s title decider in Nairobi, where they will face the winner of Morocco’s clash with defending champions Senegal.
It was a tense, tactical contest as both sides pursued a maiden CHAN final berth. Sudan, featuring in their third semi-final after previous heartbreaks in 2011 and 2018, dominated much of the second half but were continually frustrated by Madagascar’s inspired goalkeeper, Michel Ramandimbisoa.
Madagascar, semi-finalists on debut in 2022, absorbed pressure before landing the decisive blow late in extra time. A clever pass from Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa set up Rakotondraibe, who calmly slotted home past Sudan’s Mohamed Abooja. Despite desperate late efforts, Sudan could not find a response, suffering yet another semi-final disappointment.
“This victory belongs to the players and to Madagascar,” Barea coach Romuald Rakotondrabe said. “Our strength lies in unity. The team kept believing until the very end.”
Sudan’s spirited run under Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah earned continental respect, but they must now turn their attention to the third-place playoff in Dar es Salaam on Friday. Madagascar, meanwhile, continue their fairytale journey, becoming the first island nation to reach a CAF senior final.
What you should know
Madagascar secured a historic CHAN final spot with Toky Rakotondraibe’s late strike against Sudan.
The Barea, bronze medalists in 2022, now stand on the brink of continental glory and will face either Morocco or Senegal in the championship match.
