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CHAN final: Rakotondrabe outlines Madagascar’s mission against 'favourites' Morocco

CHAN final: Rakotondrabe outlines Madagascar’s mission against 'favourites' Morocco
CHAN final: Rakotondrabe outlines Madagascar’s mission against 'favourites' MoroccoCTK / imago sportfotodienst / IMAGO
Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe says Madagascar will approach Saturday’s African Nations Championship final determined to prove themselves against two-time champions Morocco.

Competing in the tournament for only the second time, the Barea reach the final after a hard-fought 1-0 extra-time win over Sudan in the semi-final.

With the match seemingly heading for penalties in Dar es Salaam, Toky Rakotondraibe struck a dramatic late winner to send Madagascar through.

Now, Madagascar aim to go one step further and claim the title, facing the Atlas Lions, who defeated defending champions Senegal. Despite acknowledging the strength of the North Africans, the coach says his team is determined to prove their worth.

"Morocco are the favourites; they are a big country in football," Rakotondrabe told the media.

"But Madagascar are not here by luck. We worked hard for our place. We will go into the game to compete strongly because we are here on merit and we want to show our worth.

"From the beginning, I never thought we would reach the final. But here we are, and this is for all Malagasy people. It is a dream come true."

The Southern African side arrive at Nairobi’s Moi International Stadium missing three key players for various reasons. 

Still, coach Rakotondrabe stresses that the unity that has carried Madagascar this far will continue to be their greatest strength.

"The secret to our success has been hard work. If we win, it will be like a dream come true," he continued.

"It will make the people of Madagascar happy, because life is difficult there. They will know we have done something special, bringing joy to the country.

"Our strength was our unity. It was our spirit of teamwork that pushed us forward. We have players who can make a difference, and we now have faith in the power of teamwork."

Echoing his coach’s sentiments, captain Elysee Tony Randriamanampisoa hopes his team can secure victory against Morocco’s senior national side.

"We are ready. We have been concentrating. Team spirit is high. We are in for a tough game because Morocco is a good side, but we will compete to get a good result."

Madagascar will lean on goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa, the tournament’s leading shot-stopper, and playmaker Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa, the creative spark of their team.

Follow the final with Flashscore.

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