Sudan’s long wait for a first-ever African Nations Championship (CHAN) final appearance was extended in the cruellest fashion on Tuesday night, as a late extra-time strike saw Madagascar edge them 1-0 in Dar es Salaam.
The semi-final clash at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium appeared destined for penalties after 115 minutes of tense, goalless football. But just when the Falcons of Jediane thought they had weathered the storm, substitute Toky Rakotondraibe struck in the 116th minute, firing Madagascar into their first-ever CHAN final.
For Sudan, it was another painful chapter in their CHAN story. Semi-finalists in 2011 and 2018, they again fell short despite creating the clearer chances for much of the game. Walieldin Khdir squandered a glorious second-half header, while goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa kept out efforts from Mohamed Tia Asad and Musa Hussien to preserve Madagascar’s clean sheet.
Madagascar, who surprised many with a bronze medal on their 2022 debut, rode their luck before finding their moment of brilliance. Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa, influential all evening, slipped a neat pass into Rakotondraibe’s path, and the forward showed composure beyond his years to bury the chance past Sudanese goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja.
The goal sent the Malagasy bench and their vocal fans into raptures, leaving Sudan chasing the game in the dying minutes. Desperate attempts from Musab Makeen and Musa Hussien went begging, confirming another semi-final exit for Kwesi Appiah’s side.
“Sudan had their chances but football punishes you when you don’t take them,” admitted Appiah afterwards. “We wanted to bring joy to our people, but it wasn’t to be.”
For Madagascar, however, the night marked a historic leap. Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe hailed his players’ resilience: “We stayed united, we stayed patient, and we believed until the end. This victory is for the people of Madagascar.”
The Barea now head to Nairobi for Saturday’s final at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, where they will face either holders Senegal or record winners Morocco. Sudan will contest the third-place playoff on Friday back in Dar es Salaam.
Whether they claim gold or silver, Madagascar have already made history — the first island nation to reach a CAF senior final, and proof that their remarkable rise on the African stage is no fluke.
