Papa Diallo scored the only goal as Senegal edged past Madagascar 1-0 to book a place in the 2022 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) final on Tuesday night at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.
Diallo connected a pass from Mamadou Sane from the right to score a looping header past Madagascar goalkeeper Zakanirina Rakotohasimbola, commonly known as Nina, who had strayed off her line to score the earliest goal of the tournament in the fifth. minute.
Senegal used this momentum to control play at both ends of the pitch as they denied Madagascar any chance to get comfortable on the ball.
Moussa Ndiaye, who was in fine form, sent a well-placed pass to Diallo in the box, but Nina was in the right place at the right time to deny Generation Foot’s advance.
Senegalese striker Cheikh Ibra Diouf then found himself in a one-on-one with Nina, but the latter quickly blocked the attempt to further frustrate Pape Diaw’s team, who kept asking the Malagasy questions.
Malick Mbaye then stepped up past Avizara Soloniaina and cut in the box and his pass to Diallo was perfect for another Senegal goal, but Nina, putting in a man-of-the-match performance, fended it off this time.
Madagascar continued to fend off Senegal’s charge in the second half and when Cheikhou Ndiaye got a loose ball from a corner, Soloniaina Rajo Nirina Razafindrabearimihanta, commonly known as Berajo, cleared but her diving header hit the crossbar to save Madagascar. of the blushes and avoid an own goal.
In minute 83, Diallo got past the Madagascar defense and although Nina went off her line, Diallo’s shot went over the bar.
El Barea, whose attacking prowess led by Koloina and Tokinantenaina Olivier Randriatsiferana, commonly known as Tsiry, came into question that night as they searched for rare scoring chances, but their efforts weren’t enough that night.
Senegal advanced to their first TotalEnergies CHAN final and will face hosts Algeria on February 4 at the same stadium at 1930 GMT.
