In Dar es Salaam:
The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) enters its thrilling semi-final stage on Tuesday, with a highly anticipated match between Sudan and Madagascar scheduled to take place at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
At 17:30 on Tuesday, Madagascar will take to the pitch to play Sudan in what promises to be a dramatic battle between two teams who have relied on resilience, tactical discipline and determination to reach this stage of the tournament.
Madagascar has been the revelation of this year's tournament. Drawing Group B alongside co-hosts Tanzania, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic, the Indian Ocean islanders demonstrated consistency and fighting spirit to finish second with seven points — the same total as Mauritania, but advancing on superior goal difference.
Co-hosts Tanzania topped the group with 10 points, but suffered a heartbreaking exit in the quarter-finals at the hands of two-time champions Morocco.
In their quarter-final match, Madagascar stunned co-hosts Kenya at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, in front of a packed crowd.
After 120 gruelling minutes ended 1–1, they held their nerve to win the penalty shootout 4–3 and advance to the semi-finals, where they will now face Sudan.
Their ability to withstand pressure and remain tactically disciplined has turned them into the competition’s most dangerous underdogs.
“This is a crucial match for us, and we need to deliver our best. Sudan are a strong team, and we must stay alert throughout. But we believe we can win,” he said on the eve of the semi-final.
Sudan’s journey to the semi-finals has been characterised by determination, organisation, and unwavering focus.
Playing their group matches at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, they finished top of Group D with five points — the same as Senegal, but ahead on goal difference.
The team secured one win and two draws, highlighting their defensive strength.
After the teams played out a 1-1 draw through regulation and extra time, Sudan showed nerves of steel once again, winning 4-2 on penalties to secure their place in Dar es Salaam.
Head coach Kwesi Appiah, formerly in charge of the Ghana national team, acknowledged the enormity of the challenge but expressed confidence in his squad.
"It will be a tough match, no doubt about it. But we are prepared, and our sole objective is victory. The players understand what is at stake, and they will fight with determination,” he declared.
The semi-final is set to be a clash of contrasting styles — Madagascar’s flair, speed and quick counterattacks versus Sudan’s defensive organisation and mental toughness. Both teams have demonstrated their ability to handle pressure, and with a place in the CHAN 2024 final at stake, neither will back down.
Reaching the final would be a historic achievement for Madagascar, while Sudan is eager to prove that their consistency can translate into silverware.
The stage is set, the fans are ready, and tonight, Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will witness a clash that could define the tournament.
