Overview:
Sudan, against odds eliminated one of the tournament favourites Algeria on penalties in the last eight at the Aman stadium, Zanzibar while Madagascar beat co-hosts Kenya, also on penalties with both ending 1-1 after extra time.
Tuesday August 26, 2025
- Benjamin Mkapa stadium, Dar es Salaam 5.30pm
Either Sudan or Madagascar will make TotalEnergies CAF Africa Nations Championship history by reaching the first ever final in the ongoing tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The two face off in the first semi-final at the Benjamin Mkapa stadium, on Tuesday with eyes on the main prize to be contested at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi over the weekend.
Sudan, against odds eliminated one of the tournament favourites Algeria on penalties in the last eight at the Aman stadium, Zanzibar while Madagascar beat co-hosts Kenya, also on penalties with both ending 1-1 after extra time.
Sudan head coach Kwesi Appiah is confident and believes staying close to Zanzibar is an added advantage.
“After moving from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam, I don’t think there will be a difference in the climate and weather. The most important thing is the preparation of our players,” he said.
“Our journey wasn’t easy. All our matches so far have been tough. This is a semi-final match and it won’t be easy. We will fight throughout the match until the end.”
“We are focused on making the Sudanese people happy. They don’t need anything from us. All they want is to see the fighting spirit and for us to make them happy during the match.”
Losing semi-finalists in the last edition, Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe believes that victory over Kenya gives his side believe they can go beyond just the semis.
“The victory over Kenya in front of their fans and at home was good psychologically for our team, and we will take advantage of it,” he explained.
“Our strength lies in our unity. It’s our spirit of teamwork that has propelled us forward. We have players who can make a difference, and we now have faith in the power of teamwork.”
Rakotondrabe further added “We will fight to win and qualify for the final. We must be patient, keep our goals in mind, and fight for them until the last minute of the match.”
Later at Mandela National stadium, Namboole in Uganda, two time champions Morocco take on reign champions Senegal at 8.30pm.
