Madagascar have made history by reaching their first-ever TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) final after a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Sudan on Tuesday evening at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The decisive moment came in the 116th minute when substitute Toky Rakotondraibe calmly drilled home after a fine pass from Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa.
The late strike sparked wild celebrations as the Barea booked a place in Saturday’s final in Nairobi, where they will face either Morocco or Senegal.
Both teams entered the semi-final seeking a maiden appearance in the CHAN final. Sudan, featuring in their third semi-final after near misses in 2011 and 2018, created early chances through Mohamed Tia Asad and Mazin Al Bahli, but Malagasy goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa stood firm.
Madagascar, bronze medalists on debut in 2022, relied on the energy of Rafanomezantsoa and Fenohasina Razafimaro but failed to find a breakthrough in regulation time.
The second half saw Sudan come closer, with Walieldin Khdir missing a clear header before Mubark Abdalla had an effort blocked.
Madagascar’s best chance came when Bono Rabearivelo fired narrowly wide, but the contest remained goalless after 90 minutes.
Extra time brought greater urgency. Sudan forced Ramandimbisoa into sharp saves, while at the other end, goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja denied Madagascar twice from long range.
However, Rakotondraibe’s late strike settled the contest.
For Madagascar, the victory confirms their rapid rise as one of Africa’s emerging football nations.
Head coach Romuald Rakotondrabe praised his side’s resilience, saying: “Our strength lies in unity. The players never stopped believing.”
Sudan will now contest the third-place playoff on Friday in Dar es Salaam, while Madagascar chase continental glory in Nairobi.
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