Madagascar vs Sudan – A Historic 2025 African Nations Championship Final

  


Match Overview

Date, Time, and Venue

The 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) final sees Madagascar take on Sudan in an electrifying showdown on August 26, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The stage is set for a monumental clash as both nations battle for glory in African football’s showcase for home-based talent.

Global Broadcast Channels

The final is available for global audiences through top sports broadcasters:

  • beIN Sports HD 1

  • Sport TV1 Portugal

  • Diema Sport 2 HD

  • SuperSport Maximo 1

  • Digi Sport 2 HD Romania

This ensures fans across Africa, Europe, and beyond won’t miss a single moment.

Road to the Final

Madagascar’s Journey

Madagascar has been one of the tournament’s fairy tale stories. With their sharp counter-attacks and disciplined defending, the Malagasy side shocked bigger teams on their way to the final. Their semi-final victory over Morocco B was a historic milestone.

Sudan’s Path

Sudan, known as the Desert Hawks, relied on tactical discipline and physical strength. They edged past Nigeria in a dramatic semi-final that ended with a narrow 1-0 victory, proving their ability to grind out results.

Teams in Focus

Madagascar: The Rising Islanders

Football in Madagascar has been on the rise in recent years. Their qualification to this CHAN final is no accident — it’s the result of better domestic leagues, youth development, and passionate fans. The players are driven by national pride, aiming to lift their first-ever CHAN trophy.

Sudan: The Desert Hawks’ Determination

Sudan, with a rich football history, has been pushing for continental recognition once again. Their domestic clubs like Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh feed strong talent into the national side, making Sudan a formidable opponent with experience and composure.

Tactical Analysis

Madagascar’s Style of Play

Madagascar prefers quick transitions and relies on wing play. Their forwards press aggressively, and their midfield is built around creativity and ball retention.

Sudan’s Game Plan

Sudan, on the other hand, is compact and disciplined. They play with strong defensive lines, waiting for opportunities to counter. Their physicality often unsettles opponents, giving them a psychological edge.

Market Value Comparison

Madagascar’s Squad Value

According to Transfermarkt, Madagascar’s CHAN squad (domestic-based players only) is valued at €5 million. Their standout players, particularly from Fosa Juniors FC and AS Adema, lead their charge.

Sudan’s Squad Value

Sudan’s squad is valued slightly higher at €7 million, thanks to key talents from Al-Hilal Omdurman and Al-Merrikh SC, who have continental experience in CAF competitions.

Key Players to Watch

Madagascar’s Standout Performers

  • Njiva Rakotoharimalala – A creative midfielder known for vision and passing.

  • Toky Andrianantenaina – A goal-scoring forward with pace and finishing skills.

Sudan’s Key Men

  • Mohamed Abdelrahman (Al-Hilal) – Nicknamed Al Ghorbal, a prolific striker with clinical finishing.

  • Salaheldin Nemer – A solid defender with leadership qualities.

First Half Action

Early Chances

Both teams started cautiously, probing for weaknesses. Madagascar looked dangerous on the wings, while Sudan tested the goalkeeper with long-range strikes.

Goals Before the Break

The first goal came in the 28th minute, with Njiva slotting home after a neat one-two. Sudan equalized before halftime through Mohamed Abdelrahman, making it 1-1 at the break.

Second Half Intensity

Tactical Substitutions

Both coaches made attacking substitutions — Madagascar bringing on fresh legs in midfield, while Sudan introduced Khedr Musa to strengthen the attack.

Decisive Moments

In the 78th minute, Sudan scored through a set-piece header, taking a 2-1 lead. But Madagascar struck back in stoppage time with a dramatic equalizer, forcing extra time.

Fan Reactions and Stadium Atmosphere

Malagasy Fans’ Passion

Madagascar’s fans brought drums, chants, and unrelenting energy, showing why they’re among the most passionate in African football.

Sudanese Supporters’ Pride

Sudanese fans responded in kind, waving flags and filling the stadium with chants of “Sudan, Sudan!” The colorful atmosphere made the final unforgettable.

Impact on African Football

Growth of Madagascar Football

For Madagascar, reaching the CHAN final signals their growth as a rising football nation. It could inspire youth academies and investment in local clubs.

Sudan’s Return to Continental Glory

For Sudan, lifting the trophy would prove they’re back among Africa’s elite, restoring pride to a football-loving nation.

Post-Match Interviews and Statements

Coaches’ Insights

  • Madagascar’s coach: “We showed courage. Reaching the final itself is a victory for our football.”

  • Sudan’s coach: “Our discipline and spirit got us here, and we’ll fight to bring the trophy home.”

Players’ Reactions

Players from both teams expressed pride in representing their nations, with Abdelrahman highlighting the fans’ unwavering support.

Social Media Buzz

Trending Hashtags

  • #CHAN2025Final

  • #MadagascarVsSudan

  • #AfricanFootballRising

Viral Highlights

Clips of Madagascar’s last-minute equalizer and Sudan’s set-piece goal quickly spread across Twitter and Instagram, sparking heated debates among fans.

What’s Next After the Tournament?

Future Prospects for Madagascar

This final could be a turning point for Malagasy football, with more attention on domestic players and possible international transfers.

Sudan’s Upcoming Plans

Sudan will look to capitalize on this momentum in upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, aiming to cement their place in top-tier African football.

Conclusion

The Madagascar vs Sudan final in the 2025 African Nations Championship is more than a football match — it’s a symbol of pride, resilience, and the growing competitiveness of African football. Whether it’s Madagascar’s rise or Sudan’s fight for renewed glory, this clash will be remembered as a historic moment in CHAN history.


FAQs

1. When is the Madagascar vs Sudan CHAN 2025 final?
The match is on August 26, 2025, at 2:00 PM.

2. Where can fans watch the match?
It will be broadcast on beIN Sports HD 1, Sport TV1 Portugal, Diema Sport 2 HD, SuperSport Maximo 1, and Digi Sport 2 HD Romania.

3. Who are the key players in this final?
For Madagascar: Njiva Rakotoharimalala and Toky Andrianantenaina. For Sudan: Mohamed Abdelrahman and Salaheldin Nemer.

4. What is the market value of the two teams?
Madagascar’s CHAN squad is valued at €5 million, while Sudan’s is at €7 million.

5. Why is this final important for African football?
It highlights the rise of emerging nations like Madagascar and the resurgence of traditional football powers like Sudan, making the African Nations Championship a vital platform for talent development.

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