Madagascar stunned Sudan 1-0 in extra time on Tuesday night to reach their first-ever TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) final, creating history for the island nation at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
Super-sub Toky Rakotondraibe became the hero for the Barea, scoring in the 116th minute to seal the dramatic victory. Madagascar will face either Morocco or defending champions Senegal in the title decider in Nairobi on Saturday.
It was a tense, tactical affair as both sides fought for a maiden CHAN final spot. Sudan, appearing in their third semi-final after losses in 2011 and 2018, dominated much of the second half. However, Malagasy goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa produced a series of crucial saves to keep his side in the game.
Madagascar, who were semi-finalists on their debut in 2022, absorbed the pressure before delivering the decisive strike in extra time. The match started evenly, with Sudan’s Mohamed Tia Asad and Mazin Al Bahli testing Ramandimbisoa, while Madagascar’s Fenohasina Razafimaro and Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa launched quick attacks.
Sudan continued to press in the second half. Walieldin Khdir missed a clear header, and Mubark Abdalla was thwarted by last-ditch defending. When Madagascar’s Bono Rabearivelo fired wide late in normal time, extra time seemed inevitable — and that’s how it played out.
In extra time, Sudan’s Mohamed Ahmed Saeed and Musa Hussien were denied by Ramandimbisoa’s sharp reflexes, while Madagascar launched long-range efforts. A clever pass from Rafanomezantsoa eventually set up Rakotondraibe, who calmly slotted the ball past Sudan goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja, sparking celebrations among players and fans.
Sudan threw everything forward in search of an equaliser but could not break through, suffering another semi-final heartbreak.
Barea coach Romuald Rakotondrabe praised his players after the game. “This victory belongs to the players and to Madagascar,” he said. “Our strength lies in unity. The team kept believing until the very end.”
For Sudan, coached by Ghanaian tactician Kwesi Appiah, the exit was painful, but their spirited run across the tournament earned them admiration. They will compete in the third-place playoff in Dar es Salaam on Friday.
