The Barea sealed a place in their first-ever final with a narrow 1-0 victory over Sudan in a tense semi-final at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
A 116th-minute strike from super-sub Toky Rakotondraibe sealed a dramatic extra-time victory, sending Romuald Rakotondrabe’s men through as they chase their maiden title.
Both nations were chasing a first-ever CHAN final, and the fixture carried all the intensity and nerves expected.
The match opened evenly, with Sudan’s Mohamed Tia Asad and Mazin Al Bahli testing keeper Michel Ramandimbisoa, while Madagascar relied on Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa and Fenohasina Razafimaro for half-chances.
Neither side broke through before halftime, as coaches Kwesi Appiah and Rakotondrabe urged patience. Sudan created the clearer openings after the break, with Walieldin Khdir missing a close header and Mubark Abdalla denied late.
Madagascar nearly snatched it in normal time through Bono Rabearivelo, but Sudan’s Mohamed Abooja held firm.
Extra time came alive, and in the 116th minute, Rafanomezantsoa set up Toky Rakotondraibe to slot home. Despite late Sudanese pressure, the Barea held on to book their historic first final.
In the other semi-final, the Atlas Lions booked their place in the final by defeating holders Senegal 5-3 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw in extra time at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
Defending champions Lions of Teranga struck first in the 16th minute when Joseph Layousse rose highest to head in Libasse Gueye’s corner.
The North Africans, however, responded swiftly. Just seven minutes later, Sabir Bougrine unleashed a powerful right-footed strike from distance that rocketed into the top corner, pulling the two-time champions level at 1-1 and shifting momentum back in their favour.
With the game still level at 1-1, the contest was settled by penalties. Morocco held their nerve, converting all five through Hrimat, Lamlaoui, Khairi, Bach and Mehri.
Senegal were left chasing after captain Seyni Ndiaye struck the crossbar with their opening kick. Though Vieux Cisse, Baye Ciss and Daouda Ba scored to keep hopes alive, Morocco’s flawless sequence sealed a 5-3 shootout victory.
At the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, Morocco will aim for a third CHAN crown while Madagascar look to make history as the first island nation to lift the trophy.
Before that, Senegal and Sudan will meet in the third-place playoff on Friday at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
Follow the final matches of CHAN 2024 with Flashscore.
