Madagascar and Sudan will both be aiming for a first appearance in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) final when they face one another in their semi-final at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, today.
Both teams narrowly won their quarterfinal match-ups on penalties. Madagascar knocked out hosts Kenya 4-3 in their shootout following a 1-1 draw, while Sudan upset Algeria 4-2 in their penalty shootout thanks to the heroic efforts of Mohamed Abooja, who saved two penalties to send his side through to the semi-finals. After extra-time, Sudan and Algeria were also locked at 1-1.
Read Also: 2024 WAFCON: Pitch Awards organisers salute gov’t for rallying NSC, NFF for Super Falcons
The Barea emerged from group B after finishing second, having lost to hosts and group winners Tanzania. They registered wins against the Central African Republic and Burkina Faso and a goalless draw against Mauritania in group play.
The Falcons of Jediane are undefeated at this year’s tournament, having drawn with the Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) and Senegal, and schooling Nigeria 4-0 in group D. They finished top of the group, above the defending champions on goal difference.
In three previous appearances at the tournament, Sudan have collected two bronze medals in 2011 and 2018 respectively but failed to make it out of the group stage in 2022.
This year’s CHAN competition is Madagascar’s second appearance at the tournament, with the island nation claiming third place in 2022.
With both sides having secured podium finishes in the past, they will both be looking to advance to the final for the first time and claim continental glory.