Kwesi Appiah’s Sudanese side saw their fairytale run come to a heartbreaking end after falling 1-0 to 10-man Madagascar in the semifinals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
The Falcons of Jediane had carried the hopes of a nation into this stage, impressing with an unbeaten campaign and knocking out heavyweights Algeria on penalties in the quarterfinals.
Their resilience had stirred belief back home, where Sudanese football has long yearned for a continental breakthrough.
But against Madagascar, the dream slipped away dramatically. The game began tightly contested, both sides wary of making costly mistakes.
‘We aspire to achieve the African title’ – Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah declares
Sudan looked more confident as the minutes ticked by, especially after Madagascar were reduced to 10 men in the 79th minute when Razafimaro Fenohasina received a second yellow card.
With more than 40 minutes left to play, including extra time, Appiah’s men seemed poised to take full advantage.
Yet, despite their numerical superiority, Sudan lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Clear chances went begging, while Madagascar dug deep, showing the same fighting spirit that carried them to a historic third-place finish in 2022.
Just as the match seemed destined for penalties, heartbreak struck. In the 116th minute, substitute Toky Rakotondraibe pounced on a teasing cross from Rafanomezantsoa Cliver, bundling the ball home from close range.
The Madagascar bench erupted, while Sudan’s players fell to the ground in despair.
For Madagascar, it was a night of history, booking their first-ever final appearance and going one better than their bronze medal finish three years ago.
For Sudan, it was another painful chapter, adding to their semifinal exit in 2018.
Appiah and his men will leave with pride, but the chance to reach a continental final, after decades of waiting, will have to wait a little longer.
FKA/MA
Meanwhile, watch videos from the 2025 Democracy Cup trophy presentation to Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin on GhanaWeb TV below:
