Madagascar Stun Sudan to Reach First-Ever CHAN Final

Ten-man Madagascar produced late drama in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, defeating Sudan 1-0 in extra time to secure their first-ever African Nations Championship (CHAN) final berth.

The Barea, who had finished third in their only previous outing three years ago, will now face Morocco in Saturday’s grand finale in Nairobi. Morocco booked their spot after a tense 5-3 penalty shoot-out win over Senegal, following a 1-1 draw at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.

Madagascar began brightly, dominating possession and creating early opportunities before a sparse crowd at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. Despite their pressure, the first half ended goalless. Sudan, contesting their third CHAN semi-final after near misses in 2011 and 2018, came close in the 53rd minute when Walieldin Khidir missed a clear header.

The tie appeared to tilt Sudan’s way in the 79th minute after Madagascar’s Fenohasina Razafimaro—hero of the quarter-final against Kenya—was sent off for a second bookable offence. With the numerical advantage, Sudan mounted waves of attack but failed to break down Madagascar’s stubborn defence.

Just as the game seemed destined for penalties, substitute Toky Rakotondraibe struck in the 116th minute, drilling past goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja to seal a historic victory for Madagascar and crush Sudan’s hopes of a first-ever final appearance.

“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.”

In Kampala, Morocco and Senegal delivered another semi-final thriller. Defending champions Senegal drew first blood when Joseph Layousse headed home from close range. Morocco hit back just seven minutes later, with Sabir Bougrine unleashing a powerful strike from outside the box into the top corner—his second goal of the tournament.

Morocco’s Marouane Louadni was initially shown a red card for a foul on Vieux Cisse, but the decision was later overturned. With the score tied at 1-1 after extra time, the match was decided from the spot.

Senegal faltered when captain Seyni N’Diaye struck the crossbar with their opening penalty, while Morocco converted all five of their kicks to claim victory.

“It was a tough match against the defending champions but the players showed composure in the key moments,” Morocco coach Tarik Sektioui said. “We have fought hard to reach this stage, and now we want to win the trophy again.”

Saturday’s final in Nairobi promises a clash of contrasting journeys: debut finalists Madagascar against two-time champions Morocco.