DAR ES SALAAM – In a thrilling semi-final clash, Madagascar made history by defeating Sudan 1-0 in extra time to secure their first-ever African Nations Championship (CHAN) final appearance.

Substitute Toky Rakotondraibe was the hero of the day, scoring in the 116th minute to settle a tense encounter at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Tanzania.

Both teams entered the match with high hopes of reaching the final for the first time. Madagascar, who won bronze in their debut in 2022, faced a Sudanese side with a history of heartbreak in the semi-finals, having lost at this stage in 2011 and 2018.

The game was a tightly contested affair from the start, with chances for both sides.

Sudan’s Mohamed Tia Asad and Mazin Al Bahli were denied by Madagascar’s goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa, while Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa and Fenohasina Razafimaro threatened for Madagascar. However, neither team could break the deadlock before halftime.

Sudan looked the more dangerous side after the break, with Walieldin Khdir missing a close-range header and Mubark Abdalla being denied late in regular time.

Madagascar nearly snatched a win when Bono Rabearivelo fired wide, and Sudan’s goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja made several crucial saves to force the game into extra time.

The final 30 minutes saw both teams push for a winner. Sudan’s Mohamed Ahmed Saeed and Musa Hussien tested Ramandimbisoa, but he remained solid.

The decisive moment came when Rafanomezantsoa threaded a clever pass to Rakotondraibe, who calmly slotted the ball home to send the Malagasy team and their fans into a frenzy.

Sudan’s desperate late rally was not enough, and the Barea held on to secure their place in the final. This victory makes Madagascar the first island nation to reach a CAF senior final.

“Our strength lies in unity. They kept believing until the end, and this victory belongs to the whole nation,” said Madagascar coach Romuald Rakotondrabe, praising his team’s resilience.

Madagascar will now travel to Nairobi for the final on Saturday at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, where they will face two-time winners Morocco.