Madagascar left it late but struck decisively, using two goals in the final minutes to edge past the Central African Republic (CAR) 2-0 in their TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 Group B showdown in Dar es Salaam.
Played on CAR’s Independence Day, the match carried symbolic weight for their opponents, but it was Madagascar’s tactical patience and bench strength that ultimately decided the contest. Both teams entered without a win from their first two games, knowing that defeat would spell the end of their quarter-final hopes.
The opening half was a cagey affair, high on pace but short on composure. CAR created early half-chances through Ange Zoumara and Juvénal Pouguy, while Madagascar’s captain Dax, back from suspension, tried to orchestrate attacks but found little space in a disciplined CAR defence.
Madagascar’s turning point came at halftime, when coach Romuald Rakotondrabe made four bold substitutions, flooding the field with attacking options. The move injected urgency, yet CAR still threatened first, with Ghislain Mounguide twice forcing strong saves from Michel Ramandimbisoa.
As the minutes ticked by, CAR’s defensive shape began to loosen under relentless pressure. In the 84th minute, a blocked shot from Mamisoa Rakotoson fell to substitute Toky Rakotondraibe, who calmly slotted into the bottom corner to break the deadlock.
Chasing an equaliser, CAR threw bodies forward, but their gamble left gaps. Deep into stoppage time, Rakotondraibe turned provider, releasing Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa to seal the win with a composed finish.
The victory lifts Madagascar to second place in Group B with four points, breathing life into their campaign ahead of Burkina Faso’s clash with Mauritania later in the day. For CAR, the result confirmed another group-stage exit — their third in as many CHAN appearances — and extended their goal drought to three matches.
