CHAN semi-finals: Madagascar not the favorite against Sudan, says Romuald Rakotondrabe | OneFootball

The Malagasy coach acknowledges the strength of the Jediane Falcons

Romuald Rakotondrabe & Elysée Tony Randriamanampisoa

Madagascar is approaching its 2024 African Nations Championship semi-final with caution. The Barea will lock horns with Sudan this Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam (5 p.m. GMT).

At the pre-match press conference, their coach Romuald “Rôrô” Rakotondrabe opted for realism. The memory of their emphatic 3-0 victory over this very Sudan side in the group stage of CHAN 2023 in Algeria still lingers. But two years on, the context has changed. The Jediane Falcons arrive in Tanzania as a far more competitive and formidable outfit.

Indeed, Sudan topped Group D, leaving heavyweights like Senegal and Nigeria in their wake. This performance underlines the rapid progress and growing power of this team. For Madagascar, now cast as the underdog, the equation is clear. They will need to draw on discipline and boldness if they hope to repeat their 2023 feat and secure a spot in the final.