Madagascar took a major step in their African Nations Championship campaign after a hard-fought 2–0 victory over the Central African Republic at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, a result that moves them to second in Group B with four points, pending the outcome of Mauritania’s clash with Burkina Faso. The Barea left it late, striking twice in the final ten minutes to secure the win in a tense, physically charged contest..

From the opening whistle, Madagascar pressed high, forcing the Central African Republic to defend deep. Within eight minutes, the Barea had carved out two clear chances but failed to convert, allowing their opponents to grow into the game. The Central African Republic responded with a quick counter in the 12th minute, only for their goal to be ruled out for offside.

The first half was scrappy, punctuated by fouls, stoppages, and a hydration break under the Dar es Salaam heat. Madagascar dominated possession but couldn’t find the cutting edge, while the Central African Republic sat in a compact mid-block, waiting for moments to break forward. Each side registered one notable chance before the halftime whistle, but the scoreline remained goalless.

The second half began at a frenetic pace, with both teams increasing their attacking intent. Madagascar threatened first in the 65th minute when Nomena Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa saw his effort from the left pushed behind for a corner. The Central African Republic also had their moments, twice testing the Madagascar goalkeeper with sharp efforts from the edge of the area.

As the match edged towards a stalemate, Madagascar’s persistence paid off. In the 84th minute, substitute Toky Niaina Rakotondraibe made an instant impact, pouncing on a loose ball inside the box to fire home the opener. The goal lifted the Barea’s confidence, and they sealed the points deep into stoppage time. Harison Patrick surged down the right flank and delivered a precise cross to Rafanomezantsoa, who met it with a powerful strike to make it 2–0 in the 94th minute, putting the game beyond doubt.

The Central African Republic fought hard throughout, pushing for an equaliser after the opener, but their final ball lacked precision. Madagascar, on the other hand, showed composure in the decisive moments, turning a frustrating evening into a crucial victory.

With this win, the Barea have placed themselves firmly in the qualification conversation. All eyes now turn to the remaining Group B fixtures, where the battle for the knockout spots promises to be just as intense as today’s clash.