AFCON 2025
The African Nations Championship served up contrasting encounters on Saturday as Madagascar boosted their knockout hopes with a hard-fought 2–1 win over Burkina Faso, while Tanzania and the Central African Republic played out a cagey goalless draw.
In the early fixture, Madagascar struck first through Fenohasina Gilles Razafimaro inside seven minutes, only for Burkina Faso’s Souleymane Sangaré to level from the penalty spot midway through the first half.
The contest remained finely poised until the 58th minute, when Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa converted a spot-kick of his own to restore Madagascar’s lead. Burkina Faso pressed for another equalizer but failed to break down a resilient Malagasy defence.
Later in the day, Tanzania and the Central African Republic produced a subdued stalemate. Clear chances were at a premium, with the match largely contested in midfield. A lone booking for Flory Yangao of the Central African Republic was one of the few notable incidents in a game where both sides seemed content to settle for a point.
The results leave Madagascar well placed in Group B as the tournament edges towards the knockout phase, while Tanzania’s consistency keeps them in contention. Burkina Faso, already eliminated, showed spirit but bowed out without reward, as the Central African Republic’s hopes now hang by a thread.
