AFCON 2019
Madagascar 2-0 Nigeria
Al Salaam Stadium, Cairo
Sunday, 30-06-2019
Debutants Madagascar sealed a place in the last 16 of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Nigeria. They also finished top of Group B in their first ever appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria were outfought, outthought and outplayed as Madagascar registered yet another success at the continental showpiece.
In the previous four meetings between the two sides, Madagascar had never even scored against the three time African champions.
Lalaina Nomenjanahary gave Madagascar an early lead in the 13th to send the nations faithfuls into a bouncing frenzy.
Madagascar looked more organised, vibrant and ambitious as they made Nigeria look disjointed and deserved an halftime lead.
Immediately after the recess, Nigeria introduced on Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi for John Ogu.
Carolus Andriamahistinoro doubled the Barea’s advantage in the 52nd minute with a curling free kick into the top corner thanks to a big deflection off the hapless Ndidi. This was also his second goal of the tournament.
Alex Iwobi, Ahmed Musa and Odion Ighalo all couldn’t break down a resilient Madagascar defence.
Madagascar introduced on William Gros for Faneva Andriatsima, Mamy Gervais Randrianarisoa for Pascal Razakanantenaina and Rayan Raveloson for Ibrahim Amada.
The other Nigeria changes were, Alex Iwobi for John Mikel Obi and Moses Simon for Samuel Kalu.
Marco IIaimaharitra ( Madagascar) was the only player booked.
Madagascar finished top of group B, with 7points followed by Nigeria on 6 whereas Guinea saw off Burundi 2-0 to finish third with 4points