Madagascar reach first CHAN final with extra-time win over Sudan

Madagascar Edges Sudan in Extra Time to Reach First-Ever CHAN Final

In a high-stakes CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 semifinal held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Madagascar stunned Sudan with a 1-0 victory in extra time. The decisive moment arrived in the 116th minute, when substitute Toky Rakotondraibe coolly slotted home from a pass by Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam .

Key Match Highlights

Sudan tested Malagasy goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa (nicknamed “Toldo”) early on, but he stood firm, making several crucial stops .
The first half ended goalless, with both teams creating promising opportunities that went unrewarded .
The second half saw Sudan dominate, with Walieldin Khdir missing a glaring header and Mubark Abdalla blocked in a vital moment .
Madagascar nearly broke the deadlock before normal time concluded, but Bono Rabearivelo’s chance drifted .
In extra time, both sides traded attacks: Sudan’s Mohamed Ahmed Saeed and Musa Hussien forced key saves, while Randriamanampisoa and Rafanomezantsoa fired long-range threats .
The breakthrough finally came in the 116th minute—Rafanomezantsoa set up Rakotondraibe, who buried the low finish, igniting raucous celebrations from the Malagasy side .
Sudan pressed in the dying moments—Musab Makeen headed wide, and Musa Hussien’s effort was blocked—but Madagascar held firm .
Remarkably, Madagascar achieved this historic win despite being reduced to 10 men, following a red card for Fenohasina Razafimaro in the 79th minute for a second bookable offence .

A Landmark Achievement

This victory is a watershed moment for Madagascar:

They become the first island nation ever to reach a CAF senior-ever final .
They are only the second COSAFA member to reach a CHAN final—joining Angola, who did so in 2011 .
Their semifinal appearance in 2022, where they prevailed in the bronze match, laid the groundwork for this historic breakthrough.

What Lies Ahead

Madagascar will face the winner of the Senegal vs Morocco semifinal in the final, set for Saturday in Nairobi at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani .
Sudan, having come agonizingly close once again, will play in the third-place playoff—another opportunity to end their CHAN campaign on a positive note.