Madagascar secured a crucial 2-0 victory over the Central African Republic (CAR) in a tense Group B clash at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, held at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The goals came in the final minutes thanks to substitutes Toky Rakotondraibe and Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa, keeping Madagascar’s hopes alive in the group stage.

Tight first half and missed opportunities

The opening 45 minutes were intense but lacked clear scoring chances. CAR, chasing their first points of the tournament, created early threats through Ange Zoumara and Juvénal Pouguy, while Jean Ranaivoson forced goalkeeper Mauril Abimala into a fine save.

The match was played at a high tempo, yet both sides struggled to turn possession into clear opportunities. CAR, who had conceded goals within the first 12 minutes in their previous games, avoided an early setback, while a reshuffled Madagascar team — with captain Dax returning from suspension — had difficulty generating effective chances.

At halftime, coach Romuald Rakotondrabe made four substitutions, adding attacking options to break the deadlock.

CAR threatens before Malagasy breakthrough

The changes injected urgency into Madagascar, but it was CAR who came closest early in the second half. Ghislain Mounguide tested Michel Ramandimbisoa twice, with the goalkeeper producing excellent saves.

Gradually, Madagascar took control of the game, forcing Abimala to block shots from Toky Rakotondraibe and Fenohasina Razafimaro. CAR’s defense began to show signs of fatigue, and finally, in the 84th minute, the breakthrough arrived: a blocked shot from Mamisoa Rakotoson fell kindly to Rakotondraibe, who calmly slotted it into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.

Late strike seals the win

With the score against them and playing on their national day, CAR pushed forward seeking an equalizer. Miambaye Fourdeau came close with a header, but left gaps at the back that Madagascar exploited on a counterattack during stoppage time. Rakotondraibe provided the assist to Rafanomezantsoa, who finished precisely to secure the 2-0 win, ending Madagascar’s winless streak and leaving CAR with three consecutive defeats without scoring.

Implications for Group B

The result moves Madagascar up the Group B standings, leapfrogging CAR and reaching four points from three matches. They will now watch closely as Burkina Faso face Mauritania, knowing their progression could depend on that outcome. For CAR, the defeat confirmed their elimination and extended their record to three consecutive group-stage exits at the CHAN.