CHAN 2024: Madagascar coach lost for words after edging Sudan with 10 men
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 27.08.25. | 09:09
Rakotondrabe remained cautious ahead of Saturday’s final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani,
Madagascar head coach Romuald Rakotondrabe admitted to being “lost for words” after watching his side, reduced to ten men, battle past Sudan 1-0 on Tuesday night to reach their first-ever African Nations Championship (CHAN) final.
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Despite playing with ten men for more than 40 minutes, the Islanders showed grit and determination before Toky Rakotondraibe delivered the decisive goal four minutes from time, extending a fairytale run that began with bronze on their 2022 debut.
“I can’t find the words to express it now, because what happened is unbelievable considering the circumstances in which we played the match,” Rakotondrabe told CAF Media.
“We lost a player to injury early on, then another received a red card, and for 50 minutes we played with one less. And yet, we scored and won.
Thanks to the players for their performance; they really have good character, and that’s what enabled us to win.”
Despite the historic milestone, Rakotondrabe remained cautious ahead of Saturday’s final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi, against Morocco.
“I can’t answer the question of whether we can win the title. Beating Sudan doesn’t mean we’ll win the final,” he said, while confirming that Gilles Razafimaro and another key player will miss the final through suspension.
“We’ll find replacements. I hope there are players who can make a difference on the pitch in the final. Before the semi-final, we said we must return to Nairobi, and now we will return for the final.”
On the other side, Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah was left to rue his side’s missed opportunities, admitting that the match slipped away in the second half.
“Tactically, the second half was not on our side. In football, the winning team should not waste the only chance it gets to score. Madagascar played well, and with only 10 players, they were impressive,” Appiah said.
The Ghanaian coach also pointed to Sudan’s lack of competitive football, with the domestic league suspended for more than two years due to the ongoing civil war.
“This is a building process. Unfortunately, for two and a half years, we haven’t had a league in Sudan. If things stabilise and football resumes, things will improve. With determination, we can achieve what we want,” he noted.
Appiah added that Sudan will now shift focus to the Africa Cup of Nations set for December in Morocco, where four of his players will join the senior national team.
“This tournament gave us an opportunity to win matches and compete. We’ll work to improve, ward off the spectre of defeat, and do better in the future,” he concluded.
