Historical day for Madagascar
The Barea will not forget this first game of African Cup for a long time. As a matter of fact, for their first participation in the history of the CAN, Madagascar managed to leave with the draw (2-2) against Guinea last night, thus collecting their first point in the tournament while they could even have taken the victory.
Leading 2-1 in the 55’, Madagascar was playing without Jérémy Morel, injured and sitting on the bench. The most experimented player on the Barea side (eight years spent in top French clubs Olympique de Marseille and Olympique Lyonnais), who decided to play for Mada because of his father’s roots, was replaced by Falette and Jeanvier in the heart of the defense. The Tom Thumb of the competition led ten minutes before a penalty from Bordeaux striker François Kamano (French league) enabled Guinea to make up their delay (2-2, 66’). Still, it is a good performance regarding the lack of experience of the Barea at this level, a draw that gives them real opportunities to fight for the second place, the first one being normally dedicated to Nigeria. Without forgetting that the four best third ones will see the 1/8th finals as well!
On the second game of the B group, the Super Eagles had to wait for the last quarter (Ighalo, 77’) to beat Burundi 1-0. Like Egypt, the essential is assured for the Nigerians who are expected to get better and better gradually. Iwobi (Arsenal) and Mikel (ex-Chelsea) were on the pitch to help one of the youngest teams in the competition.
By Guillaume Mahot
Africa Global News Publication
