DAR ES SALAAM, TANANIA — In a dramatic extra-time match, a ten-man Madagascar team secured a 1-0 victory over Sudan in Dar es Salaam, earning their country a place in its first-ever African Nations Championship (CHAN) final.
The Barea, who had previously finished third in their only other tournament appearance three years ago, will now face Morocco in the final.
Morocco secured their spot after a penalty shootout victory over Senegal, with the two sides drawing 1-1 at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
Madagascar began the match with strong possession at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, creating two early chances, but the first half ended goalless.
Sudan, making their third semi-final appearance after near-misses in 2011 and 2018, had the better opportunities in the second half. Walieldin Khidir missed a golden-edged header in the 53rd minute.
The match appeared to shift in Sudan’s favor in the 79th minute when Madagascar’s Fenohasina Razafimaro, who had scored the quarter-final equalizer against Kenya, was sent off for a second bookable offense.
With a one-man advantage, Sudan launched a barrage of attacks but could not find a breakthrough, and the match concluded 0-0 after 90 minutes.
It seemed destined for a penalty shootout until substitute Toky Rakotondraibe scored in the 116th minute, drilling the ball past goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja to send Madagascar through and end Sudan’s hopes of reaching their first final.
“Our strength lies in unity,” said Madagascar coach Romuald Rakotondrabe. “Today, the players kept believing until the very end, and this victory belongs to them and to Madagascar.”
Saturday’s final in Nairobi will pit Madagascar against the vastly more experienced Moroccans, who have now reached their third CHAN final in seven years.
Morocco’s coach Tarik Sektioui commented, “It was a tough match against the defending champions 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.”
Also Read: Mike Sonko files case against CHAN elimination, challenges Kenya vs Madagascar match results
In the other semi-final, it was the first-ever CHAN meeting between the two African football giants. Senegal, the defending champions, scored first when defender Joseph Layousse headed home from close range.
However, seven minutes later, Morocco leveled the score when Sabir Bougrine fired a powerful shot from outside the penalty area into the top corner, marking his second goal of the tournament.
Morocco’s Marouane Louadni was initially shown a straight red card for fouling Vieux Cisse, but the decision was overturned.
With the match still tied at 1-1 after extra time, it was decided by a penalty shootout.
Senegal faltered when captain Seyni N’Diaye hit the crossbar with their first penalty, while Morocco converted all five of their penalties to secure their ticket to the final.
