11 Oct 2025
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When Toky Rakotondraibe volleyed home the winner in the 116th minute, Madagascar erupted into celebration – they had just clinched a historic 1-0 victory over Sudan to reach their first-ever CHAN final.
The semi‑final took place on Tuesday, 26 August 2025 at 14:30 UTC inside Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Both sides entered the match after grueling campaigns in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship 2025, a tournament reserved for players who ply their trade in domestic leagues.
Road to the Semi‑Final
Madagascar, coached by Rakoton Drabe, arrived in Tanzania on the back of an unbeaten seven‑match run. Their quarter‑final triumph over Kenya on 22 August 2025 had already turned skeptics into believers, with the island nation labelled a dark horse by most pundits.
Sudan, often called the Falcons of Jediane, booked their spot by edging past Ghana in a dramatic penalty shoot‑out two days earlier. Their coach – whose name the federation kept under wraps – emphasized a disciplined, counter‑attacking approach, hoping to exploit any lapses from the Malagasy side.
The Semi‑Final Drama Unfolds
From the first whistle, the tempo was electric. Madagascar’s goalkeeper, Ramandimbisoa – affectionately known as “Tolo” on the commentary feed – made a series of sharp saves that kept the score level through the first half. Sudan’s keeper Mohamed Abooja responded in kind, denying a close‑range header from Walieldin Khdir in the 53rd minute.
Regulation time ended 0‑0, despite several chances: a blocked effort from Sudan’s Mubark Abdalla late in the 80s, and a nail‑biter when Madagascar’s Bono Rabearivelo fired a free‑kick just wide of the post. The referee’s whistle for extra time brought a fresh wave of urgency.
In the first half of extra time, Sudan pressed forward. Mohamed Ahmed Saeed and Musa Hussien forced two nail‑biting saves from Ramandimbisoa, while the Malagasy side replied with long‑range attempts from Randriamanampisoa and Rafanomezantsoa. Both shots were acrobatically turned away by Abooja, raising the tension to a fever pitch.
The breakthrough came when Rafanomezantsoa slalomed into space on the left flank, delivered a pinpoint pass to the on‑bench substitute Toky Rakotondraibe, and the latter calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner. The stadium erupted – the second goal of the tournament for Madagascar and the decisive moment that sealed their place in the final.
Key Performances and Tactical Battles
Ramandimbisoa’s composure under pressure earned him man‑of‑the‑match chatter on the beIN SPORTS USA broadcast. „He’s been a wall today,“ the commentator noted, "and that’s exactly what you need in a semi‑final".
Abooja, though on the losing side, deserved credit for keeping Sudan in the game. His reflexes on Rafanomezantsoa’s shots were described by ESPN Africa as „world‑class saves that could have turned the tide".
Coach Rakoton Drabe’s substitution gamble – bringing on Rakotondraibe in the 95th minute – proved decisive. The coach later said, "I trusted his pace and his eye for goal. He delivered when it mattered most." Sudan’s coaching staff, meanwhile, stuck to a high‑press system that left them vulnerable on the left, a flaw that Madagascar exploited.
What the Victory Means for Madagascar
For a nation that has never previously reached a continental final, the win is more than a sporting triumph; it’s a cultural milestone. CAFOnline described the scene as "a moment that will be etched in Malagasy history, inspiring a new generation of players".
Local celebrations spilled onto the streets of Antananarivo, with fans waving the blue, red and white flag and chanting the team’s nickname, the "Barea", into the early hours. The government announced a day of national honor to recognize the squad’s achievement, a gesture that underscores how football can unite a country.
Statistically, Madagascar now boasts a 2‑1 head‑to‑head edge over Sudan in CHAN encounters, with no draws in their last three meetings. Their unbeaten run stretches to nine games across all competitions, a streak that will be hard to replicate.
Looking Ahead: The Final and Beyond
Madagascar’s opponent in the final will be decided later on Friday, when Nigeria – bolstered by a strong contingent of Remo Stars players – faces either Cameroon or Ivory Coast. Regardless of the opponent, the Malagasy side will enter the final as clear underdogs, yet confidence will be their biggest weapon.
Analysts from League of Africa predict a tactical showdown: "Nigeria will likely dominate possession, but Madagascar’s disciplined defense and lethal counter‑attack could prove decisive".
Beyond the tournament, scouts from European clubs have already flagged several Malagasy talents, including the goal‑scorer Toky Rakotondraibe, for potential moves abroad. If the final ends in glory, the ripple effect could see Madagascar’s domestic league attract greater investment and raise the overall standard of football on the island.
Key Facts
- Event: African Nations Championship 2025 Semi‑FinalBenjamin Mkapa National Stadium, Dar es Salaam
- Result: Madagascar 1‑0 Sudan (after extra time)
- Winning goal: Toky Rakotondraibe (116th minute)
- Man of the Match: Ramandimbisoa (Madagascar goalkeeper)
- Madagascar’s first ever CHAN final appearance
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Madagascar’s victory affect the nation’s football development?
The win is expected to spark increased funding for youth academies, attract foreign scouts, and boost attendance at domestic league matches. Sponsors have already expressed interest in partnering with the Malagasy Football Federation, which could translate into better training facilities and more international exposure for young players.
Who scored the decisive goal and what was the build‑up?
Substitute Toky Rakotondraibe netted the winner after receiving a precise pass from Rafanomezantsoa, who had just beaten his marker on the left flank. The pass split the Sudanese defence, giving Rakotondraibe the space to curl the ball into the bottom corner past Mohamed Abooja.
What were the key tactical adjustments made by Madagascar’s coach?
Coach Rakoton Drabe switched to a more compact defensive shape after conceding early chances, then introduced Rakotondraibe to exploit the fatigued Sudanese back‑line. The side also pressed higher on the flanks, forcing Sudan to commit defenders forward and creating the space for the winning pass.
When and where will the CHAN final be played?
The final is scheduled for 2 September 2025 at the same venue – Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam – with kickoff set for 18:00 UTC. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, given the historic nature of Madagascar’s appearance.
What does Sudan need to improve after this loss?
Sudan’s analysis points to a need for sharper finishing and better defensive discipline in the final minutes. Despite strong goalkeeping from Mohamed Abooja, missed opportunities – like the three‑yard chance in regular time – cost them a place in the final. Strengthening set‑piece routines could also elevate their threat against top opponents.
Sarah Graham
October 11, 2025Seeing Madagascar break through to the CHAN final is exactly the kind of story that lifts the whole continent. The team's unity and tactical discipline really paid off, especially after that tense extra‑time period. It’s a reminder that under‑dog squads can thrive when they trust the coach’s vision. I’ve seen similar breakthroughs in youth tournaments, and they always spark a surge of grassroots interest. Here’s hoping the momentum carries on into the final and beyond.