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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
Substitute Toky Rakotondraibe was the hero, striking in the 116th minute to seal a tense semi-final and send the Barea into Saturday’s showpiece in Nairobi, where they will face Morocco after the Atlas Lions defeated Senegal on penalties later in the night.
Nerves and intensity
With both teams chasing a maiden final appearance, the contest began with intensity but little fluency.
Sudan created the better chances after the break, Walieldin Khdir spurned a clear header on 53 minutes, while Mubark Abdalla saw a late strike blocked.
Madagascar’s best opportunity in normal time came when Bono Rabearivelo fired narrowly wide. With both goalkeepers solid, the match drifted into extra time goalless.
Extra-time breakthrough
The additional half-hour opened up the contest, Sudan’s Mohamed Ahmed Saeed and Musa Hussien forced sharp saves from Ramandimbisoa, while Madagascar tested Mohamed Abooja through long-range efforts from Randriamanampisoa and Rafanomezantsoa.
The decisive moment came four minutes from penalties: Rafanomezantsoa slipped a clever pass into Rakotondraibe’s path, and the substitute drilled low into the corner to spark jubilation among the Malagasy bench and their travelling fans.
Sudan poured forward desperately in the closing minutes, but Musab Makeen headed wide and Hussien’s last-gasp shot was blocked, confirming yet another semi-final heartbreak after previous exits in 2011 and 2018.
“Strength lies in unity”
The win underlines Madagascar’s rapid rise on the continental stage, Bronze medallists on debut in 2022, they now stand one step away from an unprecedented CHAN triumph and have become the first island nation ever to reach a CAF senior final.
“Our strength lies in unity. The players kept believing until the very end, and this victory belongs to them and to Madagascar.”
Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah admitted the result was painful but hailed his players’ efforts:
“We wanted to make the Sudanese people happy. The boys gave everything, but football can be cruel. I’m proud of their courage and discipline.”
Looking ahead
Madagascar will contest the final on Saturday at Nairobi’s Moi Sports Centre Kasarani against Morocco, who beat Senegal in Kampala.
Sudan, meanwhile, will play the third-place playoff against Senegal on Friday in Dar es Salaam.
CHAN PAMOJA 2024 has already delivered drama, resilience, and historic milestones — with Madagascar’s fairytale run now just one step from continental glory.
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