The RCSA Anosibe and RCI ended their match in a 12-12 draw on Sunday. The final of Madagascar's Elite Federal 2 rugby XV championship must be replayed.

A physical duel between RCSA (blue and white) and Rosa Club at Andohatapenaka. The large crowd at Makis stadium in Andohatapenaka left disappointed. The final of Madagascar's Elite Federal 2 rugby XV championship, or Top 20, between the Rugby Club of Soldiers Anosibe (RCSA) and the Rosa Club of Imerina (RCI), delivered no verdict. After 54 minutes of intense combat, the referee was forced to stop the match due to encroaching darkness.

The atmosphere was worthy of major events. From the opening parade of both teams, the stands erupted. Despite a kickoff delayed by an hour due to the extension of the 1 p.m. ranking match, supporters turned out in force with the stadium nearly 70% full.

On the field, the duel lived up to expectations. After several offensive sequences, Anosibe opened scoring at the 27th minute with a converted try (7-0). The match then became tense. The RCSA prop received a yellow card at the 32nd minute. Minutes later, an RCI try was disallowed for not grounding the ball properly. This decision angered part of the crowd, who threw bottles onto the pitch, causing a twelve-minute interruption.

Foreign referee requested

Taking advantage of their numerical superiority, increased by three yellow cards given to RCSA players, RCI finally scored an unconverted try at the 38th minute to close to 5-7. This score ended the first half.

After the break, the Antohomadinika players showed more ambition. After several incursions into the opposing twenty-two, they took the lead with a second try scored after a thirty-meter run (12-7). Far from yielding, the Anosibe rugbymen replied by scoring a second try at the 50th minute. The missed conversion left both teams perfectly tied (12-12).

As the battle promised to be thrilling for the final thirty minutes, declining light forced officials to end the match. No winner was declared and the place in Elite Federal 1, or Top 12, remains in suspense.

After the match, both camps praised the quality of the spectacle while questioning certain refereeing decisions. "It's a shame the winner wasn't decided today. For fairness and transparency in the game, we would like a foreign referee to officiate the replay," said Désiré Rafidimanana, RCSA captain.

The same sentiment from RCI. "The 12-12 score didn't reflect the reality on the field, as we scored a try that wasn't validated. We also want a foreign referee to avoid any suspicion of bias," said coach Tahiana Herizo.

The date of the new final remains to be set by Malagasy Rugby in consultation with both clubs. One thing is certain: promotion to Top 12 will be decided in a second act that promises to be explosive.

Donné Raherinjatovo