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Madagascar into first CHAN final after Rakotondraibe’s winner.
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The Barea battled with ten men.
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Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe said, “Our strength lies in unity.”
Madagascar into their first CHAN final after they beat Sudan 1-0 in extra time in Dar es Salaam, and now the island nation heads to Nairobi to face experienced Morocco.
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Madagascar played with ten men for much of the match but defended resolutely.
Substitute Toky Rakotondraibe struck a low, precise finish in the 116th minute to break Sudan’s resistance.
Earlier, Fenohasina Razafimaro received a second yellow in the 79th minute, leaving the Barea to sit deep and absorb pressure.
Sudan had the game’s clearest chance when Walieldin Khidir missed a gilt-edged header in the 53rd minute, but they could not convert dominance into a goal.
“Our strength lies in unity. The players kept believing until the very end — this victory belongs to them and to Madagascar.” – said Madagascar coach Romuald Rakotondrabe.
In Kampala, Morocco reached their third CHAN final in seven years after beating defending champions Senegal 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Joseph Layousse opened the scoring for Senegal, and Sabir Bougrine equalised seven minutes later with a fierce drive.
After extra time, Senegal missed at the spot when captain Seyni N’Diaye struck the crossbar; Morocco then converted all five penalties to secure the win.
Madagascar’s first CHAN final marks a major step for Malagasy football.
The Barea, who finished third at their only previous CHAN appearance, now face a seasoned Moroccan side in what promises to be a tense, tactical final in Nairobi.
