Madagascar, who dumped Harambee Stars out of CHAN 2024 at the quarterfinal stage, will be facing a Sudan side buoyed by confidence following their triumph over Algeria.
Madagascar and Sudan will lock horns on Tuesday evening in what promises to be a historic semi-final of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Both nations are dreaming of a maiden appearance in the final, with Madagascar looking to cement their growing reputation as knockout specialists, and Sudan determined to finally break their semi-final curse.
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Team News
Madagascar, under coach Romauld Rakotondrabe, are appearing in their second consecutive CHAN semi-final after finishing third in 2022.
Their campaign has been built on resilience, with veteran goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa producing a string of outstanding performances.
His 21 saves and three Man of the Match awards have been crucial in keeping the Barea alive. In midfield, Lalaina Cliver Rafanomezantsoa has emerged as their creative spark, contributing two goals and two assists, while forward Fenohasina Razafimaro has scored in successive matches, including the equaliser that forced penalties against Kenya in the quarter-finals.
Sudan, coached by Ghanaian tactician Kwesi Appiah, have enjoyed an unbeaten run so far, recording three draws and one win in their four matches.
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This is their third semi-final appearance after 2011 and 2018, though both previous campaigns ended in disappointment.
They overcame Algeria on penalties in the quarter-finals, reaffirming their reputation as one of the most reliable shootout teams in the competition, having now won three of their four CHAN penalty battles.
Preview
The match pits two sides with very different but equally compelling narratives. Madagascar are seeking to become the first island nation to ever reach a CAF senior final and only the second COSAFA member after Angola in 2011 to contest a CHAN decider.
Their adventurous style has yielded six goals in the tournament so far, and their recent ability to score in four consecutive matches underlines their attacking intent.
Sudan, meanwhile, are hoping to break new ground by becoming the first East African side to reach the CHAN final. Their disciplined defending has been a hallmark of their campaign, conceding only twice.
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Sudan vs Algeria: Falcons of Jediane Give War-Torn Nation a Reason to Smile at CHAN 2024
Sudan's dramatic CHAN 2024 quarter-final win over Algeria was more than just a football triumph, as it was a rare moment of joy for a nation enduring the weight of war.
Though wins in open play have been rare, their resilience and mental toughness in knockout games give them confidence heading into this clash. The sides are evenly matched statistically, with both scoring six goals so far, though Sudan boast the higher conversion rate.
Historical Context
This semi-final will be only the second meeting between the two nations at CHAN. Their first came during the 2022 group stages, where Madagascar ran out 3-0 winners in a decisive encounter that sent them through alongside Ghana.
For Sudan, the match offers a chance at redemption, with the possibility of finally ending their sequence of semi-final heartbreaks. For Madagascar, it represents the opportunity to go one better than 2022 and write an unprecedented chapter in their footballing story.
Key Battles to Watch
Midfield control will be vital, with Rafanomezantsoa orchestrating play for Madagascar while Sudan look to Abdel Raouf Yagoub, who had five shots in their quarter-final win over Algeria, to provide attacking thrust.
In goal, Ramandimbisoa’s shot-stopping ability may once again be decisive, especially if the game stretches into another penalty shootout. Madagascar’s passing fluency, highlighted by Bono Rabearivelo’s 112 touches against Kenya, will be tested by Sudan’s compact defensive structure and physicality.
Where to Watch
Fans in Kenya can watch the match live on KBC Channel 1, while regional coverage will be provided by Azam TV. Across the continent, SuperSport on DStv and GOtv will broadcast the game. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM EAT at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.