10-Man Madagascar Edge Sudan to Seal Historic CHAN Final Spot
Madagascar made history on Tuesday night, booking their first-ever place in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) final after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Sudan at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
A tense contest was finally settled deep into extra-time when substitute Toky Rakotondraibe struck in the 116th minute, sending the island nation into Saturday’s grand finale in Nairobi where the Barea will now battle either Morocco or Senegal for the trophy.
Sudan’s Missed Chances Haunt Them
With a maiden final appearance at stake, both sides started with caution. Sudan looked the more threatening after the interval, creating golden opportunities that went begging.
Walieldin Khdir wasted a clear header, while Mubarak Abdalla’s late effort was blocked.
Kwesi Appiah’s men had the better of the second half, but their inability to convert pressure into goals proved costly.
Extra-Time Breakthrough
When the game stretched into extra-time, the intensity soared. Sudan’s forwards Mohamed Ahmed Saeed and Musa Hussien tested the Malagasy goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa, who pulled off crucial saves to keep his side alive.
Just as penalties loomed, Madagascar delivered the knockout blow. Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa danced through midfield before releasing Rakotondraibe, who finished with composure into the bottom corner.
The strike unleashed wild celebrations from Madagascar’s bench and travelling fans.
A New African Force
For Madagascar, this victory is a continuation of their rapid rise in African football. Bronze medalists in their debut CHAN in 2022, they are now the first island nation to reach the final of a CAF senior tournament.
Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe hailed his players’ spirit: “We kept believing. The boys worked hard for every ball, and today we’ve made history for our country.”
Heartbreak for Sudan
For Sudan, it was another painful semi-final exit, their third after 2011 and 2018. Coach Kwesi Appiah’s side had defended resolutely throughout the tournament but once again fell short of the final hurdle.
Appiah had promised to bring joy to the Sudanese people, and while his men showed heart and resilience, they will now have to settle for a third-place playoff in Dar es Salaam on Friday.
What’s Next
Madagascar head to Nairobi for Saturday’s showpiece at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, against the winner of the clash between defending champions Senegal and two-time winners Morocco.
Whatever happens in the final, the 2024 CHAN has already written a remarkable chapter: Sudan’s resilience under Appiah and the incredible rise of Madagascar, who now dream of continental glory.