Madagascar coach Romuald Rakotondrabe has expressed confidence and composure as his side prepares to face Sudan in the semi-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Both nations are chasing a historic place in the tournament’s final.
Rakotondrabe, speaking on the eve of the clash, emphasised that his team would remain committed to their playing style, with patience and resilience forming the backbone of their approach.
“We will fight to win and qualify for the final. We must be patient, keep our objectives in mind, and fight until the very last minute,” he said. “Our strength lies in our unity. It is our team spirit that has carried us. We have players capable of making the difference, but we now believe in the power of the collective.”
Madagascar, known as the Barea, secured their semi-final berth by defeating co-hosts Kenya in the quarter-finals, a result that has significantly boosted the squad’s confidence.
The win, achieved under pressure against the home crowd, has given the players renewed motivation to push for their first-ever CHAN final appearance.
Rakotondrabe underlined the importance of concentration, particularly in attack, as Madagascar aim to capitalise on the momentum gained from their previous victory.
“We must remain focused throughout the match, especially in front of goal. The objective is to qualify, not just to play well,” he noted. “We have studied Sudan’s matches carefully, and we are ready to face them. The victory against Kenya, in front of their supporters, was very beneficial psychologically for our team, and we intend to make full use of it.”
Sudan, who reached the semi-finals after defeating Algeria and impressing during the group stage, will provide stern opposition.
However, Rakotondrabe insists that Madagascar’s progress has been built on belief and teamwork rather than individual talent alone.
For the Malagasy coach, the challenge now is to ensure that his side’s determination translates into execution on the pitch. With the stakes higher than ever, he remains convinced that discipline and a collective mindset will be decisive factors in overcoming Sudan.
The Barea’s journey to this stage has already surprised many, but Rakotondrabe is adamant that his players are capable of going further.
For him, reaching the final is not merely an ambition—it is the clear goal.
As kick-off approaches, Madagascar stand on the brink of one of the most significant achievements in their footballing history.
Their coach’s message is clear: unity, focus and resilience will be the keys to writing the next chapter of their CHAN 2024 campaign.
