- Madagascar edge Sudan 1-0 in extra time to reach their first-ever CHAN final.
- Substitute Toky Rakotondraibe strikes decisive 116th-minute winner.
- The Barea played with 10 men after Fenohasina Razafimaro’s late red card.
- Morocco defeated defending champions Senegal 5-3 on penalties in the other semi-final.
- Saturday’s Nairobi final sets debutants Madagascar against two-time winners Morocco.
At the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Madagascar shocked Sudan with a 116th-minute strike from substitute Toky Rakotondraibe, booking their maiden CHAN final.
The Barea, reduced to 10 men after Fenohasina Razafimaro’s red card in the 79th minute, looked destined for a shootout until Rakotondraibe’s low drive beat Sudan keeper Mohamed Abooja.
Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe hailed his players’ resilience:
“Our strength lies in unity. The players believed until the very end, and this victory belongs to Madagascar.”
In Kampala, Morocco kept their nerve to oust defending champions Senegal 5-3 on penalties at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium.
Joseph Layousse gave Senegal an early lead with a header before Sabir Bougrine equalised with a stunning long-range strike. With the game tied 1-1 after extra time, Senegal captain Seyni N’Diaye missed the opening penalty, while Morocco converted all five.
Coach Tarik Sektioui praised his side’s composure:
“It was a tough match against the holders, but my players showed maturity and resilience. Now our goal is to lift the trophy again.”
Saturday’s final sets up a historic clash between debutants Madagascar and two-time champions Morocco. For the island nation, it represents a once-unimaginable chance at continental glory, while Morocco seeks to reinforce their dominance in CHAN history.
