In a suspenseful quarter-final, the rugby players of TFA Anatihazo snatched a victory against US Ankadifotsy (21-20) yesterday at the Makis Stadium in Andohatapenaka. They will face Cosfa in the semi-finals after a match marked by twists and a thrilling finish.
TFA Anatihazo secured their ticket to the semi-finals of the Madagascar Rugby Cup after a particularly tight duel against US Ankadifotsy. During this third quarter-final, which started at 1:30 PM, the Anatihazo players won by a narrow margin of 21-20 in a match where both teams traded blows.
US Ankadifotsy started the game well. After a missed penalty in the 3rd minute, the Ankady club opened the scoring in the 4th minute with a successful second attempt, taking a 3-0 lead. In the 17th minute, Hery Rakotomanalina attempted a drop goal without success. The injury-enforced exit of Matfield then disrupted the organization of the USA.
TFA took advantage to take the lead. In the 26th minute, the Anatihazo players scored their first try, bringing the score to 5-3, before extending the lead with a penalty in the 32nd minute (8-3). However, US Ankadifotsy reacted with a penalty from Hery Rakotomanalina in the 37th minute, closing the gap to 6-8.
The end of the first half was marked by two expulsions: TFA’s number 12 and Hery Rakotomanalina from USA both received red cards. Taking advantage of this sequence, US Ankadifotsy scored a try and went into the break leading 13-8.
Returning from the locker room, TFA quickly leveled the score. In the 42nd minute, an error by the opposing defense allowed the Anatihazo players to score a try and equalize at 13-13. Despite a yellow card given to Jean Marc in the 50th minute, TFA held on, while US Ankadifotsy failed to convert a penalty.
Ten minutes from the end, US Ankadifotsy seemed to secure qualification thanks to a try in the 70th minute, bringing the score to 20-13. But TFA never gave up. A penalty in the 74th minute reduced the gap to four points (16-20), followed by another try in the 77th minute. Although not converted, it allowed TFA to take the lead, 21-20. An advantage that the Anatihazo club maintained until the final whistle.
In the semi-finals, TFA will face Cosfa, who defeated CEA Andranomanalina (28-22). In the other half of the bracket, TFMA Ankasina, who defeated FT Manjakaray (17-16), will face USCAR, which eliminated TAM Anosibe with a score of 20-13. FT Manjakaray is among the teams eliminated in the quarter-finals held on Sunday.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-12 06:23:56 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/tfa-lemporte-de-peu-face-us-ankadifotsy.html