Madagascar claimed their first ever victory at the CHAN tournament with a 2-1 score against Ghana in their group opener at the Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui in Constantine.
Despite Ghana’s dominant display in the game, there was nothing positive to show.
Madagascar took the lead on the scoreboard through Solomampionona Koloina during the 10th minute, with the second coming from Randriantsiferana in the 60th minute.
Randriantsiferana capitalized on Randolf’s ‘back pass’ mistake and took advantage of it to extend the lead for Madagascar before Asante Kotoko defender Augustine Agyapong, who came in as a substitute reduced the deficit with a brilliant shot.
Ghana enjoyed a more convincing second half as they continued to push for an equalizer but it wasn’t to be for the Black Galaxies.
Annor Walker’s side were left to rue a string of missed chances in stoppage time. They dominated for long periods and despite heavy pressure, they were unable to find an equaliser as Madagascar held to snatch their first ever win at the CHAN tournament.
The results leaves Ghana at the bottom of the table in Group C with Madagascar sitting on top.
Ghana’s next clash comes against Sudan on Sundan on January 19.
Sudan were supposed to play Morocco before the game between Ghana and Madagascar but the Moroccans failed to show up.
The Sudanese side carried out warm-up exercises, dressed in shorts and even jumped onto the pitch to take the protocol. The anthems sounded and there was even a referee’s greeting to, minutes later, the contest was considered over due to the non-appearance of Morocco.
We will have to see if the CAF takes action on the matter and confirms the non-presence of Morocco in the tournament so that in the successive matches that ‘Lions of the Atlas’ scheduled, their rivals are not forced to put on the theatrical performance that Sudan has now had to put on.
