Madagascar have reached their first African Nations Championship (CHAN) final after a dramatic extra-time victory over Sudan in Dar es Salaam.
The Barea, down to ten men late in the match, struck in the 116th minute when substitute Toky Rakotondraibe drilled the ball past Sudan’s goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja. His goal sealed a 1-0 win and sent Madagascar into uncharted territory.
The night had seemed destined for penalties. Madagascar midfielder Fenohasina Razafimaro was sent off in the 79th minute for a second bookable offence, leaving his side clinging on as Sudan piled forward. But the Islanders, who finished third in their only previous CHAN appearance three years ago, held firm until Rakotondraibe delivered the decisive blow.
“Our strength lies in unity,” Madagascar coach Romuald Rakotondrabe said afterwards. “The players kept believing until the very end. This victory belongs to them, and to Madagascar.”
Sudan, appearing in their third semi-final after previous disappointments in 2011 and 2018, were left heartbroken. A missed header from Walieldin Khidir in the second half summed up their frustrations on a night when luck deserted them.
Madagascar will now face Morocco, who booked their place in the final with a penalty shoot-out victory over Senegal in Kampala.
The clash between the two North and West African giants finished 1-1 after 120 minutes. Senegal took the lead through Joseph Layousse, but Morocco equalised soon after with a thunderous strike from Sabir Bougrine. Extra time brought no further goals, and the tie was decided from the spot.
Senegal’s captain Seyni N’Diaye struck the crossbar with the opening penalty, while Morocco converted all five of their attempts.
“It was a tough match against the defending champions,” Morocco coach Tarik Sektioui said. “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.”
The final, set for Saturday in Nairobi, will be a contest between a debutant full of spirit and a two-time champion determined to reclaim glory.
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