The decisive moment came deep into extra time, when substitute Toky Rakotondraibe struck in the 116th minute to seal victory and send the Barea through to Saturday’s final in Nairobi.
Madagascar wrote a new chapter in their football history on Tuesday evening, booking a place in their maiden TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) final after edging Sudan 1-0 in a dramatic semi-final at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar es Salaam.
The decisive moment came deep into extra time, when substitute Toky Rakotondraibe struck in the 116th minute to seal victory and send the Barea through to Saturday’s final in Nairobi.
With both sides chasing a first-ever CHAN final appearance, the contest was played with intensity and nerves. Sudan, semi-finalists in 2011 and 2018, created the better chances after the break, but failed to convert. Mohamed Tia Asad and Walieldin Khdir both went close, while goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa kept Madagascar in the game with sharp saves.
Madagascar, who finished third in 2022, grew stronger as the match wore on. Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa and Fenohasina Razafimaro drove their attacks, but Sudan’s shot-stopper Mohamed Abooja looked unshakable—until the late drama.
With penalties looming, Rafanomezantsoa carved open space and slipped a clever pass to Rakotondraibe, who calmly drilled the ball past Abooja to spark wild celebrations from the Malagasy bench and their travelling fans.
Sudan threw everything forward in the dying minutes, but Musa Hussien and Musab Makeen could not find a way through. For the Falcons of Jediane, the wait for a CHAN final goes on.
For Madagascar, though, this is a historic breakthrough. Having claimed bronze on their debut two years ago, they now become the first island nation to reach a CAF senior final.
“This victory belongs to the players and to Madagascar,” said coach Romuald Rakotondrabe. “They kept believing until the very end, and unity gave us strength.”
The Barea will now face either defending champions Senegal or two-time winners Morocco in Saturday’s final at Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, while Sudan plays the third-place playoff on Friday.