Madagascar made history after beating Sudan 1-0 in extra time to reach their first-ever African Nations Championship (CHAN) final. The dramatic win came at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, despite Madagascar playing the last 11 minutes of normal time with 10 men.
The Barea, who finished third in their debut CHAN appearance three years ago, will now face Morocco in the final. Morocco booked their place after defeating defending champions Senegal 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
Madagascar started strongly, dominating possession and creating chances, but the first half ended goalless. Sudan, playing in their third semi-final after 2011 and 2018, came close when Walieldin Khidir missed a clear header in the 53rd minute.
Things got worse for Madagascar in the 79th minute when Fenohasina Razafimaro was sent off for a second yellow card. Sudan piled on the pressure but could not find the net, and the match remained 0-0 after 90 minutes.
Just when it looked like penalties were inevitable, substitute Toky Rakotondraibe scored in the 116th minute with a powerful strike past Sudan’s goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja, sealing a famous victory for Madagascar.
“Our strength lies in unity,” said Madagascar coach Romuald Rakotondrabe. “Today, the players kept believing until the very end, and this victory belongs to them and to Madagascar.”
In the other semi-final, Morocco and Senegal played out a thrilling contest. Senegal took the lead through Joseph Layousse, but Morocco hit back quickly with a stunning strike from Sabir Bougrine. The game went to penalties, where Morocco held their nerve to convert all five spot-kicks.
“It was a tough match against the defending champions but the players showed composure in the key moments,” Morocco coach Tarik Sektioui said. “We have fought hard to reach this stage, and now we want to win the trophy again.”
The CHAN 2025 final will be played in Nairobi on Saturday, with Madagascar chasing glory against two-time champions Morocco.
