At 5:30pm, Madagascar will battle Sudan at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, while at 8:30pm, Morocco and Senegal will lock horns in a heavyweight contest at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda
Dar es Salaam. The African Nations Championship (CHAN) has reached its thrilling semifinal stage, with two blockbuster clashes lined up today that promise to shape the destiny of the tournament.
At 5:30 p.m., Madagascar will battle Sudan at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, while at 8:30pm, Morocco and Senegal will lock horns in a heavyweight contest at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
Madagascar have emerged as one of the defining stories of CHAN 2024. Drawn in Group B, the islanders combined consistency with fighting spirit to finish second with seven points—the same as Mauritania but advancing on goal difference.
Hosts Tanzania topped the group with 10 points, only to suffer a shock elimination in the quarterfinals. In the last eight, Madagascar stunned co-hosts Kenya in Nairobi. After a tense 1-1 draw stretched to 120 minutes, they held their nerve in the penalty shootout to win 4-3 and secure a historic semifinal berth.
Their resilience and tactical discipline have made them the tournament’s most dangerous underdogs. Head coach Michel Ramandimbozwa said his team is ready to write history.
“This is a crucial match for us, and we must deliver our best. Sudan are a strong team, and we need to remain alert at all times. But we believe we can win,” he insisted.
Sudan’s defining moment
Sudan’s path to the semifinals has been built on grit and composure under pressure.
Playing their group games in Zanzibar, they finished top of Group D with five points—level with Senegal but advancing on goal difference—after registering one win and two draws.
Their quarterfinal clash with Algeria was a test of nerves. After another 1-1 draw through extra time, Sudan triumphed 4-2 on penalties to book their ticket to Dar es Salaam. Head coach Kwesi Appiah, the former Ghana boss, praised his players’ determination.
“It will be a tough match, but we are prepared. The only thing we are targeting is victory, and the players understand what is at stake,” he said.
Morocco and Senegal
Later tonight, all eyes will turn to Kampala for the second semifinal between two giants of the competition. Morocco, winners in 2018 and 2020, face defending champions Senegal, who lifted the 2022 title. Both teams boast pedigree, talent, and experience, making this one of the most anticipated encounters in CHAN history.
For Morocco, a win would put them on course for a record third crown, while Senegal are determined to defend their title and cement their growing dominance in African football.
