The Malagasy players were too good for their counterparts in Group C after they booked a ticket to the knockout stage with a 100% record Madagascar’s superstar Koloina Razafindranaivo has provided an insight into how they overcame Sudan in Constantine on Monday to set up a COSAFA derby in the knockout round.
Madagascar breezed into the quarterfinal of the African Nations Championship, CHAN, following a comfortable 3-0 win over Sudan in their final game in the group stage.
A blistering 33 minutes spell saw the Barea romp into the knockout stages thanks to goals from Tokinantenaina Randriatsiferana, Razafindranaivo, and Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa.
Razafindranaivo credits boldness for the win
The 22-year-old netted the goal of the day to inspire his side to another impressive display in Algeria.
In what’s their debut appearance in CHAN, The Barea thrashed Sudan to maintain their 100% start to the competition.
Speaking after the win, Razafindranaivo noted that the performance against the Sudanese was down to their ‘boldness’.
“In the game today, we were bolder. Though we won the first match, we weren’t this bold,” Razafindranaivo said per CAF media.
The talented attacker was named the TotalEnergies Man of the Match of the Group C game following his excellent display at the Mohamed-Hamlaoui Stadium.
Madagascar set up the COSAFA derby
An easy win over Sudan on Monday ensured that Madagascar finished top of Group C with maximum points on their maiden appearance at CHAN.
The Barea also booked a ticket to the quarterfinal of the competition where they have now set up a COSAFA derby.
Madagascar will face a familiar foe in Mozambique in a COSAFA on 28 January for a place in the semifinal while second-placed Ghana will know their opponents after the final round of matches in Group E slated for later today in the Algerian city of Oran.
Mozambique finished second in Group A with four points, behind winners and CHAN 2022 host, Algeria, after they won one and drew another of three matches.
