CHAN: Rakotondrabe admits being shocked after downing Sudan for final spot

Madagascar national team head coach Romuald Rakotondrabe admitted he was shocked how his team managed to beat Sudan to secure a final spot in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Tuesday.

The Island nation booked their place in a historic first CHAN final after edging out Sudan 1-0 in a tense semifinal contest. A late strike from substitute Toky Rakotondraibe in the 116th minute proved decisive, capping a dramatic extra-time contest and sending the Barea into Saturday’s final in Nairobi, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between Morocco and Senegal.

“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 said after the game as quoted by CAFOnline.com.

“We lost a player to injury at the beginning of the match, then another player received a red card and for 50 minutes we played with one player less, and then we scored and won. Thanks to the players for their performance. They really have a good character and that’s what enabled us to win.”

Speaking about what he did after one of his players was sent off, he explained: “Against Sudan, we changed our tactical plan in the second half, and after our player received a red card, it was difficult for us.

“We brought on another player, and we were looking for a player to keep the ball up front. It was difficult for us to face Sudan with 10 players.”

On whether Madagascar stands a chance to beat Morocco in the final, he responded: “I can’t answer the question of whether we can win the title. Beating Sudan doesn’t mean we’ll win the title.

“We lost two players before the final, but despite that, we have several players and we’ll find replacements. I hope there are players who can make a difference on the pitch in the final. We were saying before the semi-final match that we must return to Nairobi, and in fact we will return for the final.”

Madagascar will now return to Nairobi for Saturday’s final at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, while Sudan will play in the third-place playoff on Friday in Dar es Salaam.