Tanzania and Madagascar sealed their places in the quarter-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a decisive round of Group B fixtures on Saturday.
At Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar, Madagascar edged Burkina Faso 2-1 in a hard-fought encounter to secure qualification. In the group’s other match, Tanzania and the Central African Republic played out a goalless draw at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, a result that was enough for the Taifa Stars to advance alongside the Malagasy.
Madagascar made the perfect start against Burkina Faso, taking the lead in the 7th minute through Fenohasina Gilles Razafimaro. Their sharp opening unsettled the Stallions, but the Burkinabe quickly found a response.
Growing more aggressive in the duels and pushing higher up the pitch, they equalised in the 21st minute when Souleymane Sangaré converted to level the score at 1-1.
The match developed into a tense contest, with both sides battling to impose control. Despite their efforts, neither team could add to the tally before half-time, leaving the game finely poised at the break.
Early in the second half, Madagascar struck again. In the 58th minute, Nomena Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa restored their advantage with a composed finish. From then on, Burkina Faso pressed hard for another equaliser, mounting several attacks in search of a breakthrough. But Madagascar’s defence held firm, repelling wave after wave of pressure to preserve their lead until the final whistle.
The victory confirmed Madagascar’s strength in Group B and booked their passage to the knockout stages, while ending Burkina Faso’s hopes of progression.
Meanwhile, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and the Central African Republic battled to a 0-0 draw in a match defined by physical intensity and defensive discipline.
Both sides carved out chances, but poor finishing and resolute goalkeeping meant the deadlock remained unbroken. The second half continued in the same fashion, with neither team able to find the decisive touch.
For Tanzania, the stalemate was sufficient to secure qualification, while the Central African Republic’s campaign ended in frustration as they fell short of the quarter-finals.
The contrasting outcomes across Group B leave Tanzania and Madagascar moving forward with confidence, while Burkina Faso and the Central African Republic bow out of the tournament.
Both qualifiers have shown resilience and quality in reaching this stage, setting the stage for intriguing quarter-final clashes as CHAN 2024 enters its knockout rounds.
