CHAN 2024: Toldo, the Harambee Stars' Nemesis Leading Madagascar's Charge

In a tournament dominated by footballing giants and regional heavyweights, Madagascar stands as Southern Africa's sole representative in the semi-finals of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Alone on the map, they carry the pride of a region and the resilience of an island nation accustomed to fighting against the odds.

At the heart of this story is 39-year-old Ramandimbisoa Lalain’arijaka Michel, better known across Africa as 'Toldo'.

Toldo has been nothing short of extraordinary. Playing every minute of the group stage and the quarter-final, the Elgeco Plus goalkeeper became an immovable object that opposition strikers simply could not overcome.

He played 480 minutes of football guarded with calm authority, and provided 15 saves that defined matches. Two clean sheets that steadied Malagasy hopes.

Three consecutive TotalEnergies Man of the Match awards have crowned his dominance so far in the tournament. From start to finish, there is no doubt that Toldo was the living wall between Madagascar and elimination.

The defining moment came against Mauritania. Reduced to 10 men, Madagascar looked vulnerable, but Toldo transformed the pressure into a personal showcase.

Save after save, he dragged his side to a goalless draw. The next encounter with the Central African Republic followed the same script, poise, bravery, and another Man of the Match award.

Against Burkina Faso, he raised the bar further with seven crucial saves, sealing a 2-1 win that punched their ticket to the quarter-finals.

Only hosts, Tanzania, managed to breach his guard, scoring twice. But even in defeat, his leadership and resilience stood out.

Then, in Friday's quarter-final against Harambee Stars, Toldo produced impressive saves during regulation time to deny the hosts Kenya, before his heroics in the shootout secured their second successive place in the semis.

“I feel deeply honoured. Receiving this award three times is not by chance, but the result of hard work and the team’s collective effort,” Toldo told CAFOnline.com, his voice echoing the gratitude of a nation.

"I dedicate this recognition to my family and to all the Malagasy people.”

Toldo’s story cannot be told without Elgeco Plus, Madagascar’s reigning champions. Fresh from winning the Pureplay Football League and the Madagascar Cup, the club embodies the same spirit of continuity and resilience that Toldo displays on the field.

Together, they have carved out a space of ambition for Malagasy football. For Madagascar, success at CHAN is not unfamiliar.

The Barea reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and earned a third-place finish at the 2022 CHAN.

But this year feels different. This time, they stand alone as COSAFA’s sole representative in the last four, carrying the hopes of an entire region.

“The most remarkable moment was, without a doubt, our qualification for the quarter-finals. It is a great source of pride for us and for Madagascar,” Toldo reflected.

What makes this journey remarkable is not just the saves or the statistics, but the story of a 39-year-old goalkeeper refusing to let go of his dream.

For Madagascar, Toldo has been more than a player; he has been a symbol—a reminder that being an island nation does not mean isolation, but rather a platform for boldness.

"It was a historic performance. It shows that Madagascar is progressing and has a place among the top teams. We will give everything to go even further."

As CHAN 2024 advances, one truth remains, at the heart of Madagascar’s journey is Toldo, the veteran who turned an island into a fortress and solitude into glory.