CHAN: Rakotondrabe satisfied with Madagascar draw against Mauritania

Madagascar national team coach Romuald Rakotondrabe has admitted to being satisfied with their 0-0 opening draw against Mauritania in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) fixture on Sunday.

The game proved difficult for Madagascar after they were reduced to 10 men before half-time following a red card to captain Dax. However, they held firm against a Mauritania side that failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage to snatch a vital point.

“It was a difficult match for us. Playing with 10 men from the 39th minute was not easy. I congratulate the players on their performance,” he said during the post-match press conference as quoted by CAFOnline.com.

“The result may satisfy us a little. Getting one point is important, because it is difficult to play with 10 players against Mauritania, so I am a little satisfied with the result achieved.”

On the red card to Dax, he said: “He is our captain and important to us, and it is difficult that he received a red card. It is unfortunate that this happened to us. I am proud of what we did against Mauritania. We will now prepare for the second match and focus on giving our best.”

He further promised to re-evaluate his tactical approach for the next match against hosts Tanzania, particularly with his captain suspended.