CHAN2024: 10-man Madagascar extend fairytale run after ousting Sudan
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Reading Time: 5min | Tue. 26.08.25. | 20:23
Madagascar now await the winner in the Morocco versus Senegal second semi-final, but are assured of $1,200,000 (Ksh154 million) for booking a ticket to the final
A 10-man Madagascar lived up to the tag of the tournament's dark horses after achieving the improbable by stunning Sudan 1-0 after extra time to book their maiden African Nations Championship (CHAN) final.
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Following a barren draw in regular time, up stepped Toky Rakotondraibe with four minutes left on the clock to steal a priceless victory that will be remembered in the Island nation for many years to come.
They, did it the hard way, defying numerical disadvantage to eliminate the pre-match favourites, who were deemed one of the teams possessing all the ingredients to win the tournament, if their results against heavyweights; Nigeria, Senegal and Algeria are to be referenced.
At the centre of their arguably biggest win of the tournament is Rakotonondraibe, who struck deep in extra time to send his country to the final set for Saturday in Nairobi.
Madagascar now await the winner in the Morocco versus Senegal second semi-final, but are assured of $1,200,000 (Ksh154 million) for booking a ticket to the final.
First Half
Lack of cutting edge in the final third was glaring, as both teams failed to make the most of the chances created, especially on transitions and set pieces.
Sudan were the quickest off the blocks, asking a handful of questions in Madagascar's area, but did trouble the experienced Ramandimbisoa Lalain Michel, the man who played a significant role in denying Harambee Stars a slot in the last four.
A failed attempt at the 'Hand of God' finish by Sudanese forward Mohammed Teya landed him in Mehrez Melki's book, in the early stages of the game, as the Tunisian whistler was within a touching distance to spot the incident and correctly book the player.
Madagascar were expected to be on the back foot, following the early scares from Sudan, but they quickly recovered from the nervous start and began knocking on the Sudanese door and giving Mohamed Adam Saeed some work to do in between the posts.
Fenohasina Gillespie, the forward who netted the equalizer against Harambee Stars, kept the Sudanese defence on toes with his runs and relentless hunt for the opening goal.
He would have broken the deadlock in the seventh minute from Bono Stephanot's cut back, but he slammed the ball against his on-rushing marker when he had option of going for the farthest post.
Madagascar were forced to an early change after Nantenaina Andy twice went down unchallenged, with his place taken by Harrison Patrick Randriamanantena after the former was stretchered off after receiving first aid on the pitch.
Sudan thought they had taken the lead in the 17th minute after Teya's cross was deflected into the net, but the officials correctly chalked the goal off for an offside in the build up.
Madagascar's build up and excellent runs on the channels occasionally forced Sudan to commit numbers to their box to not only keep their scores even, but their dream to play at Kasarani alive.
Sudan also had their share of possession and chances, but their inability to pierce through the Madagascan back line and shoot past the oldest player on the pitch worked against their bid to take the lead in the first half.
Their best chance came late in the half when Walieldin Daiyeen stepped up to take a free kick outside the box but Michel was equal to the task.
Each team had two players cautioned in the half that saw Madagascar create better chances.
Second Half
Just like in the opening stanza, there was nothing to write home about the second half, as both teams appeared to struggle in converting from the chances created.
Change in tactical formations and approach did little to inject the much needed urgency and precision, in the final third, forcing both coaches to throw in fresh legs.
Still, there was nothing to separate the two teams much to the disappointment of the two coaches, who visibly struggled to contain frustrations after the handful of chances created went begging.
The game took an interesting turn in the 77th minute after Madagascar's Gillespie Fenohasina was sent off following the intervention of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
The forward, who had his name taken in the first half, was cautioned for the second time after the Tunisian referee was summoned to the pitch side monitor to review an off the ball incident.
Sudan failed to capitalise on the numerical advantage and win the contest in the remaining minutes on the clock.
Etra Time
Michel's superb save to his nearest post was the highlight of the first half of the extra time as he put his palms on the line to deny Musa Hussein Ali.
The custodian also commanded his area well and ensured that the defence is well organised to deal with Sudan's spirited search for the back of the net.
The clustered legs in the Madagascar box made it tough for Sudan to successfully weave their way in, forcing them to try their luck from crosses.
Madagascar, on the other hand, twice attempted to catch Sudan on the break, but lack of numbers coupled by the tired legs spoiled the plan.
Romuald Felix's charges were not entirely badly off as they managed two shots on target in the second half of the extra time, with Saeed claiming both.
Just as both teams began to think about penalties, Rakotondraibe ran off the shoulder of his marker to finish off a nice exchange into an empty net.
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