Madagascar, despite being reduced to ten players, secured a thrilling extra-time victory against Sudan, winning 1-0 in Dar es Salaam, and securing a spot in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) final for the first time.
In the final, Madagascar will face Morocco, which advanced by defeating Senegal 5-3 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
Madagascar started the match strongly, controlling possession and creating two early opportunities, but the first half ended in a stalemate.
Sudan, making its third semifinal appearance after previous near-misses in 2011 and 2018, had better chances in the second half, including a close header missed by Walieldin Khidir in the 53rd minute.
Things took a turn for Madagascar in the 79th minute when Fenohasina Razafimaro received a second yellow card, leaving his team a man down.
Sudan took advantage, launching several attacks, but couldn’t find the back of the net, and the game remained 0-0 after 90 minutes.
Just as it seemed headed for penalties, substitute Toky Rakotondraibe scored in the 116th minute, driving the ball past goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja, sealing Madagascar’s historic win.
ALSO READ | Pulisic back on U.S. roster for September friendlies after skipping CONCACAF Gold Cup
Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe praised his team’s unity and determination: “The players kept believing until the end, and this victory is theirs and for Madagascar.”
The final in Nairobi will have Madagascar up against Morocco, a seasoned competitor entering its third CHAN final in seven years.
Morocco’s coach Tarik Sektioui acknowledged the challenge: “It was a tough match against the defending champions. We’ve fought hard, and now we aim to win the trophy again.”
In the earlier semifinal, Senegal drew first blood against Morocco when Joseph Layousse scored from close range. However, Morocco equalized just seven minutes later with a powerful shot from outside the box by Sabir Bougrine, marking his second goal of the tournament.
Morocco faced a scare when Marouane Louadni received a straight red card for a foul, but the decision was reversed.
With the match still tied at 1-1 at the end of extra time, the teams went to penalties. Senegal’s captain Seyni N’Diaye hit the crossbar, while Morocco converted all five of its penalties, securing its place in the final in Nairobi on Saturday.
Published on Aug 27, 2025