Madagascar will take advantage of Kenya CHAN win against Sudan – Rakotondrabe

Madagascar coach Romuald Rakotondrabe believes their victory against hosts Kenya in the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) will spur them on when they face Sudan in the semifinals at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Tuesday.

The Barea caused a major upset after downing unbeaten Harambee Stars 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 outcome in normal and extra-time to seal their place in the last four.

“The victory over Kenya in front of their fans and at home was good psychologically for our team, and we will take advantage of it,” Rakotondrabe told reporters as quoted by CAFOnline.com ahead of the game.

“Our strength lies in our unity. It’s our spirit of teamwork that has propelled us forward. We have players who can make a difference, and we now have faith in the power of teamwork.”

He further stressed the importance of the fixture: “We will fight to win and qualify for the final. We must be patient, keep our goals in mind, and fight for them until the last minute of the match.

“We must be focused throughout the match, especially in front of goal. We must aim to qualify, not perform. We have watched Sudan’s matches many times, and we are ready to face them.”

This will be the second meeting between Madagascar and the Falcons of Jediane at the CHAN, with their first clash coming in the group stages of the 2022 edition, in a three-team group that also included Ghana. Madagascar won that decisive encounter 3-0 to advance as group winners alongside Ghana.

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