Cristiano's individual brilliance secured CFFA's victory and a spot in the Pure Play Football League final. Two municipal teams will contest the championship. A 1-1 draw was sufficient for CFFA to qualify for the final yesterday at By-Pass. On aggregate, the Andoharanofotsy team eliminated defending champions Elgeco Plus 3-2, following their 2-1 away victory a week prior. The By-Pass side dominated proceedings but struggled to find the equalizer. Capitalizing on a counterattack, Cristiano cut inside from the left flank, evading four defenders before placing the ball at the far post (40'). Barea CHAN player Gone nearly added a knockout goal in the final minute of the first half. After the break, a Mamisoa free kick came close to the crossbar (54'). CFFA absorbed pressure and relied on rare attacking opportunities. "The match was highly contested, but we were fortunate. My players resisted until the end. We tried everything to secure the advantage, as one goal wasn't enough," said CFFA coach Franck Rajaonarisamba. Elgeco Plus reduced the deficit through Zola's goal after Goal Kely's poor handling (75'). Despite searching for an equalizer, the defending champions lost composure and couldn't level the score. "Players struggled to settle into the game. We failed to capitalize on our dominant periods and missed chances," lamented Oelison Careca Rafanomezantsoa.
Ajesaia eliminated Disciples FC, Madagascar's 2024 champions, in a thrilling penalty shootout. The Antaninkatsaka side defeated the Vakinankaratra team after extra time at By-Pass on Saturday (1-1, penalties 6-5). Ajesaia, national champions in 2007 and 2009, returns to the final ten years after their last title. Bemasoandro had already won 1-0 away at Iavoloha a week earlier. The team led by former Scorpions captain Mamisoa Razafindrako dominated the return leg but struggled with finishing. The Yellows controlled the second half, with Ramody squandering at least two clear chances. In the final minute of regulation, Disciples FC equalized through Fabrice after goalkeeper Berni's poor distribution. The score remained 1-1 at full time. Ajesaia converted six penalties to Disciples FC's five. Barea right-back Rado Rabemanantsoa missed twice, with his first attempt initially saved but the referee ordered a retake after Berni advanced early. On his second attempt, Rado sent the ball over the crossbar.