Kwesi Appiah, the head coach of the Sudan national team, has promised his team will fight for every ball when they take on Madagascar in the semifinal of CHAN (African Nations Championship) on Tuesday at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.

With their first encounter happening in the group stage, this will mark Madagascar’s second meeting with the Falcons of Jediane at the CHAN. Of the 2022 edition, in a three-team group that also included Ghana. With Ghana, Madagascar emerged as the group winners, winning that crucial match 3-0 to advance.

“Our travel was challenging. Every one of our matches so far has been difficult. This is a semifinal match, and it won’t be simple. Appiah stated, as cited by CAFOnline.com, “We will battle throughout the match until the end.”

“We are concerned about 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 keep their happiness during the game.”

The Ghanaian coach commented on changing their base from Zanzibar to Tanzania: “I don’t believe it will help to change the weather and climate. The most crucial thing is the conditioning of our players.

“Our trip has not been simple; all of our games have been difficult; this is a semifinal match and it won’t be easy; we will fight.” All game until the finish.

Although they have never advanced further, Sudan is in their third semifinal, having been defeated by Angola in 2011 and Nigeria in 2018. Simultaneously, Madagascar aims to be the first island country to reach the final of a CAF senior competition.

Madagascar Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe believes that victory has transformed his squad’s mindset.

“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.”