#AFCON2019: Madagascar’s fairy-tale run continues with win over DRC

Madagascar qualified for the quarterfinal stage of the 2019 AFCON by defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a match filled with lots of drama.

Following an opening 8 minutes where both teams looked to find their feet, the first goal of the match came from Madagascan, Ibrahim Amada in the 9^thminute.

Not looking to be outdone, DR Congo international and Africa’s most expensive player, Cedric Bakambu headed home a cross to tie the game in the 21^st minute.

The first half ended with both teams tied at one apiece.

Madagascar’s second goal arrived in the 77^th minute with a beautiful strike from Faneva Adriantsima.

There was however late drama when Chancel Mbemba equalized in the 90^th minute to send the game to extra time and eventually penalties.

The men from the island nation held their nerve to convert all 4 of their spot kicks whiles Marcel Tisserand and Yannick Bolassie of DRC missed their chances.

In the second match of the day, Algeria faced Guinea for a quarterfinal spot and a chance to face either Mali of the Ivory Coast in the next stage.

Both teams took their time to settle into the game.

The first true chance of the match came in the 20^th minute.

Algeria’s Baghdad Bounedjah was unable to convert a lovely cross and instead played it over the far post.

He however made up for it a few minutes later with a beautiful feed to Youcef Belaili who slotted it home to give the Desert Foxes a 1-0 lead going into the half.

The second half began with Guinea playing a strong game and looking to quickly equalize.

It was not to be however, as Algerian captain Riyad Mahrez scored in the 56^th minute and give his team a commanding 2-0 lead.

The final dagger in Guinea’s coffin came in the form of Adam Ounas’s goal in the 82^nd minute.

Algeria will face the winner of the tie between Mali and Cote D’Ívoire which will be played on the 8^th of July.

Madagascar’s unlikely journey in this tournament continues as they will go on to face the winner of the match between Ghana and Tunisia.

–

Story by: Emmanuel Quartey|universnewsroom.com