Two late objectives from substitutes Toky Rakotondraibe and Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa powered Madagascar to a vital 2–0 win over the Central African Republic (CAR) in a tense Group B conflict on the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 in Dar es Salaam.
Performed on the Benjamin Mkapa Nationwide Stadium on CAR’s Independence Day, the match pitted two sides determined to remain alive after going winless of their first two video games. The consequence lifted Madagascar off the foot of the desk and saved their quarterfinal possibilities intact forward of the Burkina Faso–Mauritania fixture later within the night.
The primary half was aggressive however quick on finish product. CAR, nonetheless chasing their first factors, created early openings via Ange Zoumara and Juvénal Pouguy, whereas Madagascar’s Jean Ranaivoson drew a wise save from Mauril Abimala.
Each side pushed at a brisk tempo however wasted promising positions. CAR — having conceded inside 12 minutes of their earlier two matches — held agency early on, whereas Madagascar, bolstered by the return of captain Dax from suspension, struggled to transform possession into real threats.
Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe made 4 adjustments at halftime, injecting extra attacking intent. Nonetheless, it was CAR who practically struck first within the second interval, as Ghislain Mounguide twice examined Michel Ramandimbisoa, together with a curling effort clawed from the highest nook.
Madagascar regularly seized management. Abimala saved out efforts from Rakotondraibe and Fenohasina Razafimaro, however the breakthrough got here within the 84th minute when Mamisoa Rakotoson’s blocked shot fell to Rakotondraibe, who tucked the ball neatly into the underside nook for 1–0.
Spurred on by the event, CAR pushed our bodies ahead looking for an equaliser, with Miambaye Fourdeau heading simply extensive. However their attacking gamble left them uncovered, and in stoppage time Rakotondraibe turned supplier, sliding the ball to Rafanomezantsoa, who calmly beat Abimala to seal the win.
The consequence strikes Madagascar into second place in Group B on 4 factors from three matches. Their destiny will rely on the end result of Burkina Faso vs Mauritania later within the day.
For CAR, the loss confirmed their elimination — their third consecutive group-stage exit at CHAN — and prolonged their goalless run to 3 matches.
