History was made in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday as Madagascar booked their place in a first-ever African Nations Championship (CHAN) final with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Sudan.
Despite being reduced to ten men in the 79th minute, the Barea held firm and struck late through substitute Toky Rakotondraibe, whose 116th-minute finish sealed a famous win. It was a bitter blow for Sudan, who were chasing their maiden CHAN final after semi-final heartbreaks in 2011 and 2018.
Madagascar, who finished third in their debut tournament three years ago, will now face Morocco in Saturday’s final in Nairobi. The North Africans, two-time champions, edged out defending champions Senegal 5-3 on penalties in Kampala after a tense 1-1 draw.
Senegal took the lead through Joseph Layousse, but Morocco quickly equalised thanks to a thunderous strike from Sabir Bougrine. With no winner after extra time, penalties decided the contest. Morocco showed perfect composure, converting all five spot-kicks, while Senegal captain Seyni N’Diaye struck the crossbar with his side’s opening effort.
The final now pits debutants Madagascar against the vastly experienced Moroccans, who are chasing a third CHAN crown in seven years.
