Madagascar secure knockout stage berth as Burkina Faso graciously bow out
Madagascar booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso at the Amaan Stadium on Saturday night, sealing back-to-back appearances in the knockout stages.
Burkina Faso, already eliminated before kick-off, played for pride and pushed the Barea to the limit. Madagascar, needing nothing less than a win, struck first through Fenohasina Razafimaro’s thunderous seventh-minute effort. Souleymane Sangaré equalised with a powerful header midway through the first half, but the decisive moment came after the break when Hanaby Sagné’s foul in the box gifted Madagascar a penalty. Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa converted coolly to send his side through.
Head coach Romuald Rakotondrabe praised his players’ resilience after the tense finish.
“We won the game, but it wasn’t straightforward at all. Our players played with character and a will to continue this competition,” he said. Reflecting on the quality of opposition, he added: “There is no team in our group that didn’t deserve to qualify. I doff my hat to all the teams in our group for the high level of football they exhibited.”
Burkina Faso coach Issa Balbone accepted defeat with dignity, crediting Madagascar’s determination.
“Despite playing good football, we stumbled on a Madagascar team that wanted to go through by all means. I wish them good luck,” he said.
The victory sets up a quarter-final clash for Madagascar against the winner of Group A, where Morocco, DR Congo, and Kenya are battling for top spot. With their grit and composure in Zanzibar, the Barea have shown they are ready to fight for more history on the continental stage.
