CHAN: Madagascar’s Rakotondrabe labels Morocco favourites ahead of final

Madagascar coach Romuald Rakotondrabe believes his side will head into the final of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) against Morocco as underdogs but with a dream to achieve something positive at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

The Island nation will face two-time CHAN champions Morocco on Saturday seeking to cause an upset and lift their first CHAN ever title.

“Morocco are the favourites; they are a big country in football,” Rakotondrabe admitted as quoted by CAFOnline.com, “But Madagascar are not here by luck. We worked hard for our place. We will go into the game to compete strongly because we are here on merit and we want to show our worth.

“The secret to our success has been hard work. If we win, it will be like a dream come true. It will make the people of Madagascar happy, because life is difficult there. They will know we have done something special, bringing joy to the country.”

Madagascar captain Nantenaina Randriamanampisoa, said: “We are ready. We have been concentrating. Team spirit is high. We are in for a tough game because Morocco is a good side, but we will compete to get a good result.”

Madagascar will look to goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa, who has made more saves than any other in the competition, and to playmaker Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa, their creative spark.

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