Madagascar have booked their place in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) final after edging Sudan 1-0 in a tense semifinal encounter that went all the way to extra time on August 26, 2025.

The Barea, who had knocked out Kenya’s Harambee Stars in the quarter finals, found their breakthrough deep into extra time through Toky Niaina Rakotondraibe, after finishing regular time in a 0-0 deadlock.

Rakotondraibe, introduced in the 65th minute, rose to the occasion in the 116th minute, calmly slotting home from an assist by Rafanomezantsoa to spark wild celebrations among the Malagasy faithful.

Tightly contested battle

During the match, Madagascar registered 14 shots to Sudan’s 15, with both teams managing four efforts on target.

Possession was almost evenly split, Madagascar edging it 51% to 49%, while the set-piece count also reflected the tight contest, with Sudan winning 10 corners against Madagascar’s nine.

Discipline, however, proved costly as the game grew increasingly physical.

Referee interventions saw 44 fouls called in total, with each side collecting four yellow cards.

The game’s flashpoint came in the 79th minute when Malagasy striker Fenohasina Gilles Razafimaro was initially shown a red card following a VAR review, but ultimately saw the punishment downgraded to a yellow.

Despite being reduced to ten men briefly, the Barea reorganised and continued pressing, against Sudan, whose physical approach, marked by 24 fouls, ultimately did little to derail their spirited charge.

With the win, Madagascar progress to their first-ever CHAN final, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal featuring Senegal and Morocco.

Kenya’s elimination

Madagascar’s win follows their performance on Friday, August 22, 2025, when they ended Kenya’s run in the 2025 African Nations Championship by defeating them 4-3 in a penalty shootout during the quarterfinals.

Making their debut in the tournament, the Harambee Stars initially appeared set for a historic semifinal berth after Alphonce Omija’s powerful header gave them the lead shortly after halftime.

However, a strike from striker Ryan Ogam was ruled out for a foul in the build-up.

Madagascar equalised in the 68th minute when Fenohasina Razafimanana converted a penalty following a foul in the box, sending the match into extra time.

With neither side able to score during extra time, the match was decided by penalties, where Madagascar held their nerve to win 4-3.