Madagascar secured a crucial 2-0 win over the Central African Republic on Wednesday, eliminating their opponents from the 2024 African Nations Championship in the group stage.
The match, played on the fourth day of group fixtures, saw the Central African side suffer their third consecutive defeat, confirming their early exit from the competition without a single point.
Although Madagascar controlled much of the play from the outset, the Central African Republic displayed resilience during the first half. The Fauves defended in numbers, absorbing sustained pressure and frustrating the Malagasy attack, managing to hold the score at 0-0 going into the break.
The pattern of the game remained largely the same in the second half, with Madagascar continuing to dominate possession but struggling to find a breakthrough. The Central African defence stayed compact, cutting out crosses and blocking shots as they attempted to salvage pride and keep their faint qualification hopes alive.
However, the deadlock was eventually broken in the closing stages. In the 84th minute, Niaina Rakotondraibe capitalised on a rare defensive lapse to put Madagascar ahead with a precise finish, sending the Barea supporters into celebration.
Chasing an equaliser, the Central African Republic pushed forward in the final minutes, leaving themselves vulnerable to counter-attacks. Madagascar seized the opportunity deep into stoppage time, with Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa adding a second goal in the 90+4 minute to put the result beyond doubt.
The defeat means the Central African Republic conclude their group campaign without a point, having lost all three matches. Their lack of cutting edge in attack and inability to sustain defensive concentration in the closing stages proved costly throughout the tournament.
Madagascar’s victory, meanwhile, keeps their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive. The win lifts them to four points and into provisional second place in Group B, pending the outcome of other fixtures.
The Barea’s disciplined performance, patient build-up play, and late clinical finishing have now positioned them as serious contenders for qualification.
For the Central African Republic, the tournament ends in disappointment. Despite flashes of defensive organisation and moments of determination, they were unable to convert effort into results.
Their early exit underscores the challenges they face in competing against more tactically astute and technically equipped opponents on the continental stage.
Madagascar, on the other hand, will take confidence from this hard-earned victory. By remaining composed under pressure and exploiting opportunities late in the match, they demonstrated the resilience and tactical awareness needed in knockout football. With the group stage nearing its conclusion, their fate now depends on sustaining this form in the matches ahead.
The win not only breathes life into Madagascar’s CHAN 2024 campaign but also serves as a statement of intent. As they prepare for their final group encounter, the Barea know that another disciplined and decisive performance could secure a place among Africa’s elite at this year’s tournament.
