Madagascar in historic CHAN final

MOROCCO will face Madagascar in the final of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 on Saturday after both sides came through dramatic semi-finals on Tuesday night.

The Atlas Lions, champions in 2018 and 2020, ended Senegal’s hopes of back-to-back titles by winning 5-3 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in Kampala.

Earlier in Dar es Salaam, Madagascar reached their first-ever continental final thanks to a 116th-minute strike from substitute Toky Rakotondraibe that sealed a 1-0 victory over Sudan.

In Kampala, holders Senegal made the brighter start when Joseph Layousse headed them ahead in the 16th minute.

Morocco responded swiftly as Sabir Bougrine equalised with a thunderous strike just seven minutes later.

Chances fell to both sides across 120 minutes, with Morocco’s El Mehdi Al Harrar and Senegal’s Marc Diouf producing crucial saves to keep the contest level.

When penalties arrived, Morocco showed composure, converting all five attempts through Hrimat, Lamlaoui, Khairi, Bach and Mehri. Senegal’s Seyni Ndiaye hit the crossbar with their opening kick, leaving them always chasing the game despite later conversions.

The Atlas Lions triumphed 5-3 to book their third CHAN final in six years.

In Dar es Salaam, Madagascar and Sudan played out a cagey affair that only came to life in extra-time.

Sudan created the clearer chances, but it was Madagascar who struck decisively. With just four minutes left, Fenohasina Razafimaro slipped a pass into Rakotondraibe, who kept his composure to beat goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja and send the island nation into uncharted territory.

The final will now take place on Saturday at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, where Morocco will chase a third title and Madagascar seek to make history as the first island nation to win the competition.

Before then, Senegal and Sudan will contest the third-place play-off on Friday at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, a chance for both to end their campaigns on a high after valiant semi-final defeats.

A Night of Contrasts

in Dar es Salaam

The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium witnessed a semi-final that carried both joy and heartbreak.

For Madagascar, it was the continuation of a fairytale that began with their bronze medal on debut in 2022.

For Sudan, it was another cruel semi-final exit to add to their history of near-misses.

Rakotondrabe admitted that even he struggled to comprehend how his team had done it:

“I can’t find the words to express it now, because what happened is unbelievable considering the circumstances in which we played the match,” the Madagascar coach said.

“We lost a player to injury at the beginning of the match, then another player received a red card and for 50 minutes we played with one player less, and then we scored and won.

“Thanks to the players for their performance. They really have a good character and that’s what enabled us to win.”

For Sudan, the story was one of frustration.

Kwesi Appiah, whose side had battled bravely through the group stages and stunned Algeria in the quarter-finals, saw his forwards fail to take their chances at crucial moments.

“I think that tactically, the second half was not on our side. In a football match, the winning team should not waste the only opportunity it gets to score. Our opponents, Madagascar, played well, and with only 10 players, they were good,” Appiah said.

He added that Sudan’s long absence of domestic league football, suspended for more than two years because of the civil war, had left his players short of match sharpness.

“This is a building process, and unfortunately, for two and a half years, we haven’t had a league in Sudan.

“If things stabilise and the local league resumes, things might improve, and we can hope for better results. We believe that with determination, we can achieve what we want, and we will do well in our upcoming matches.”

Looking Ahead to Morocco 2025

Appiah, who had earlier led Sudan to qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, insists that the experience in East Africa is only the beginning for his squad.

“This tournament gave us, first and foremost, an opportunity to win matches and compete,” he said.

“We have four players in the senior team who will join us in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

“We will work to ward off the spectre of defeat and improve our performance in the future,” he said.

Injuries and fatigue played their part in Sudan’s semi-final, but Appiah is determined to rebuild and use Morocco 2025 as the stage to show further progress.

While Sudan rued their misses, Madagascar demonstrated tactical maturity beyond expectation.

Reduced to 10 men, Rakotondrabe reshaped his side, urging patience and organisation.

His substitutions, including the introduction of a forward to hold up play, proved decisive as the Barea frustrated Sudan before snatching their late winner.

“Against Sudan, we changed our tactical plan in the second half, and after our player received a red card, it was difficult for us,” the coach explained.

“We brought on another player, and we were looking for a player to keep the ball up front. It was difficult for us to face Sudan with 10 players.” — Cafonline.