Resilient 10-Man Madagascar Snatch Late Winner to Seal Historic 2024 CHAN Final Spot

Madagascar managed to book a spot in the final of the 2024 African Nations Championship after a 1-0 win over Sudan at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.

The wins see the Barea reach the final where they will take on either Morocco or Senegal on Saturday, while Sudan say bye to the competition.

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The opening exchanges were cagey, both sides eager to stamp their authority with strong tackles.

Sudan looked the stronger side early on, more comfortable in possession and sharper in their duels.

The first clear chance of the game arrived in the 23rd minute when Mohamed Almour forced the Malagasy goalkeeper into action.

Madagascar struggled to build meaningful attacks and were often disrupted by Sudan’s physical presence in midfield. As the half wore on, Sudan came closer to breaking the deadlock, with Mazin Bashir Sibo unleashing a powerful drive that drew a fine save before the break.

The pattern continued after the restart, Sudan dictating tempo and pushing Madagascar deep into their own half.

Long-range efforts from Mazin Badreldein Musa and Mohamed Ahmed Teya kept the pressure constant, while the Barea relied on sporadic counters that rarely troubled the Sudanese defence.

The contest tilted further in Sudan’s favour in the 79th minute when Madagascar were reduced to ten men, Fenohasina Gilles Razafimaro receiving a second yellow card following a VAR review.

Sudan pressed hard to make their dominance count, but Madagascar dug in defensively, repelling wave after wave of pressure.

Extra time followed in similar fashion, with Sudan camped in the opposition half yet unable to find the breakthrough, their finishing letting them down and the Malagasy goalkeeper standing firm.

In the 115th minute, Madagascar struck decisively through Toky Niaina Rakotondraibe, sealing the contest with a late goal. Sudan will feel frustrated at failing to turn superiority into victory, while Madagascar can take pride in a resilient defensive effort despite playing the closing stages with a man less.

Madagascar XI:Ramandimbisoa Lalainirina Jaka Michel, Rija Niania Nicolas Randrianampisoa, Heriniaina Toky Randriamiraina, Nantenaina Elyse Rafaralahy, Netenimena Andy Rakotondrarojao, Momena Rafiomezantsoa, Peniniahis Gilles Razafimandimby, Onjanahaina Patrick Hashimiana, Tantely Niasa Razafimahatratra, Bonno Stephano Randrianantenaina, Rado Naina Rabemanantsoa

Sudan XI: Mohamed Almour Adam Saeed, Eltayeb Abdelrazig Abaker Abdalla, Waleeldin Dayemeldin Hidir Safour, Eltayeb Abdelraouf Khidir Sogour, Mazin Bashir Sibo, Abubaker Tahir Yahya Youg Momer, Ayder Awad Boshaab, Mohamed Abdeladim Yousif, Mazin Badreldein Musa, Mohamed Hussein Musa Ali, Mohamed Ahmed Teya