It's Madagascar and not Sudan in Chan final

Despite playing 10 men for more than 40 minutes, Madagascar edged Sudan 1-0 to reach the final of African Nations Championships (Shan) on Tuesday in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Madagascar had only one point in their opening two games of this edition’s tournament, but they have mastered the art of winning.

Toky Rakotondraibe came off the bench to score the winner for 10-man Madagascar in in an entertaining semifinal played in an empty Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.

Madagascar’s quarterfinal hero Fenohasina Razafimaro was shown a red card after picking two yellow cards, an incident that slightly tilted the advantage to Sudan. The win sees the Barea qualify for their first ever Chan final.

The match began evenly poised with both teams playing their game through the midfield. Madagascar attempted to break the Sudan compact midfield through their maestros Andy Rakotondrajoa and Lalaina Cliver Rafanomezantsoa.

On the other hand, Sudan defensive midfielder and captain Walieldin Khidir single handedly protected his backline made up of central defenders Mazen Simbo and Altayeb Abaker, forming a defensive diamond at the back.

Despite the defensive approach by Sudan, Madagascar was first to attempt a shot at goal after 10 minutes when Mika Razafimahatana broke free before sending a shot from the edge of the box that Mohamed Abooja in goal calmly collected.

Five minutes later, Madagascar’s inspiration goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa Toldo was called into action by Khidir who forced him to make a fingertip save from a resultant 30-yard free kick attempt.

Madagascar wingback Nicolas Randriamanampsioa initiated several attacks from the midfield, carrying the ball and individually dribbling through the Sudan diamond.

However, they all turned out to be unsuccessful with Sudan full backs Ahmed Tabanja and Yaser Awad blocking all crosses and shots from the edge of the box.

Toldo at the same time kept Sudan attackers Mazin Al-Bahli, Mohamed Tia Asad and Musa Hussein at bay, punching away and frustrating their attacks whenever an opportunity arises as the two teams went to the break tied at 0-0.

In the final half, it was the same story, both teams opting to play safe, mostly leaving four players to defend deep rather than attack with their midfield and full backs.

Toldo denied Musa Hussein from close range at the hour mark, tipping a long range attempt over the bar for a corner that the Barea shot stopper equally punched away from danger.

Madagascar took control of the match after that, playing through the Sudan midfield with ease, but were dealt a blow with slightly over 10 minutes left to play.

Razafimaro who scored Madagascar’s penalty equalizer against Kenya before their post-match penalty win was given his marching orders in the 78th minute after a second bookable offense to hand Sudan the numerical advantage for the remainder 12 minutes.

The advantage almost paid off in the 90th minute when Abdelrazig Omer overlapping from the midfield, blitzed past the Madagascar defense before releasing a low shot from the edge of the box.

Toldo punched straight to Khidir who despite standing in front of gapping goal, sent his attempt wide as the match ended 0-0.

In extra time, Ahmed Tabanja would be the first to test the now tired Madagascar defense, catching Toldo unware with a long range shot that despite the Barea goalkeeper missing, went inches wide to the relief of the Madagascar technical bench.