CHAN: Mauritania held to drab draw by 10-man Madagascar

Sunday’s action from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) ended with a muted 0-0 draw between Madagascar and Mauritania in Group B action at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Madagascar were forced to play over fifty minutes with ten men after influential captain Arohasina Andrianarimanana, best known as Dax, was given his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card in the 39th minute.

However, the Barea produced a solid defensive performance as Mauritania failed to take advantage of the numerical advantage. The first half was a rather dry affair with both teams showing some energy in the early stages. Madagascar escaped a potential penalty kick by the grace of VAR after Toky Rakotondraibe was initially judged to have committed a handball in his penalty area in the 30th minute.

The game changed when the second of two reckless challenges by Dax led to his expulsion nine minutes later.

But Mauritania, despite the introduction of legendary 37-year-old attacker Bessam at halftime, failed to punish the Malagasy selection. Chances arrived late for both teams with Bessam coming close with his curling effort in the 77th minute but a draw always seemed like the most likely outcome with Madagascar veteran goalkeeper Michel “Toldo” Ramandimbisoa emerging as the Man of the Match.

Madagascar next face hosts Tanzania, who won on Saturday, in their second Group B game next Saturday. Mauritania, meanwhile, will also next face Tanzania on Wednesday.