It's do or die as Sudan and Madagascar clash

Madagascar Coach Romuald Felix Rakotondrabe and player Andriamirado Aro Hasina after addressing a press conference at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, on August 25, 2025, ahead of their CHAN semi-final against Sudan. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Dar es Salaam is bracing for yet another electrifying evening of football as two of Africa's underdogs Sudan's Falcons of Jediane lock horns with Madagascar's Barea in the African Nations Championship (Chan) semifinals at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

With a final ticket on offer, the clash promises tension, passion and history in the making.

Sudan arrive in the last four riding the wave of belief after a sensational run that has turned doubters into dreamers.

From stunning Nigeria 4-0 in the group stages, to eliminating Algeria on penalties in a nerve-racking quarter final in Zanzibar, the Falcons have become the tournaments most talked about.

Speaking in a press conference ahead of the clash, Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah asked his player's to focus on the next game and not the last matches.

"The journey has not been easy, but when you reach the quarterfinals, you know every game is going to be massive. Madagascar is a strong team and will not be a walkover for us," said Appiah.

For Sudanese fans, this run has become a symbol of joy in difficult times. Midfielder Fare Abdulla, who accompanied his coach in the press conference, summed up the national mood thus.

"First of all, we as Sudanese people are proud to have reached the semifinal. It shows the world that Sudan has talented footballers. We came here not just to participate but to go far," he said.

This is the second meeting between Madagascar and Sudan at the African Nations Championship (Chan).

Their first clash came in the group stages of the 2022 edition, in a three-team group that also included Ghana. Madagascar won that decisive encounter 3-0 to advance as group winners alongside Ghana.

Madagascar will be facing East African opposition for the fourth time at Chan, with a record of one win, one draw and one loss. Their only defeat came earlier in this tournament against Tanzania.

For Sudan, this will be their third match against Southern African opposition. They previously beat Zambia in the 2018 quarter-finals but lost to Madagascar in the 2022 group stage.

Both sides have scored six goals at this edition, though Madagascar have played one game more. They have produced 18 shots on target with a conversion rate of 14.63 per cent, while Sudan have registered 12 shots on target at a more efficient 18.75% conversion rate.