Madagascar defied the odds to beat Ghana 2-1 in their opening group C match of the seventh edition of the African Nations Championships (CHAN) staged at the Mohamed-Hamlaoui on Sunday night. The game lived up to the billing as both teams were impressive and lively in either halves with end to end football that produced three goals, the best tally so far in the tournament. ##NAJAVA_MECA_6945032##Although Ghana appeared as the pre-match favourite, it was Madagascar to settled in early and would take the lead in the tenth minute through Solomampionona Koloina. The goal was the difference between the two sides going into the fifteen-minute breather although both sides would have returned to the dressing room with something better to show given the chances created. North London derby – checked. Premier League title – next to go!Tokinantenaina Olivier doubled the lead for Madagascar in the 61st minute, capitalizing on a mistake by the Ghanaian defense to stretch the advantage. Ghana halved the deficit in the 67th minute through Augustine Agyapong whose cross sailed to the back of the net. Meanwhile, holders Morocco failed to show up for their opener against Sudan that was slated to be played at the Chahid-Hamlaoui Stadium on Sunday evening.Morocco had earlier on threatened to give the tournament a wide berth after Algeria failed to guarantee authorization for the traveling of the Moroccan team to the host country via direct flight. Former City Stars defender Wycliffe Otieno retires from competitive footballDiplomatic ties between the two countries has not been at its best and thus direct flights were suspended in 2021.There were last ditch efforts to have the Moroccan team fly direct to Constantine where the match was to be played but their request was turned down.The Moroccan federation has been adamant that the team will not set foot in Algeria unless it is authorized to fly directly to the neighboring country.
