Madagascar have booked their place in a historic first African Nations Championship (CHAN) final after edging Sudan 1-0 in a tense semi-final at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday evening.
A late strike from substitute Toky Rakotondraibe in the 116th minute proved decisive, capping a dramatic extra-time contest and sending the Barea into Saturday’s final in Nairobi, where they will face Morocco.
For Madagascar, this triumph confirms their rise as one of Africa’s most exciting football stories. Having claimed bronze on debut in 2022, they will now challenge for gold and become the first island nation to reach a CAF senior final.
Coach Rakotondrabe praised his side’s teamwork and perseverance: “Our strength lies in unity. Today, the players kept believing until the very end, and this victory belongs to them and to Madagascar.”
Meanwhile, Morocco reached the final after overcoming holders Senegal 5-3 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw after extra-time at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Tuesday night.
The Atlas Lions are in their third CHAN final appearance in six years and ended Senegal’s dream of back-to-back titles.
Coach Tarik Sektioui hailed his side’s mentality: “It was a tough match against the defending champions, but the players showed composure in the key moments. We have fought hard to reach this stage, and now we want to win the trophy again.”
Morocco and Madagascar will meet at Nairobi’s Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, while Senegal must regroup for the third-place playoff against Sudan in Dar es Salaam.
Cafonline.com with additional reporting.
