Minnows Madagascar pulls a surprise on the big boys Nigeria, beats them 2-0 in the ongoing AFCON
By Samuel Abuya
Madagascar, African Cup of Nations newcomers, pulled a stunning surprise on the tournament’s three-times winners Nigeria Sunday beating them 2-0 in what has since been described as a shocker in the tournament that is going on in Egypt.
The win gave Madagascar a ticket into the last 16 as group B winners while Nigeria qualified as runners-up.
Lalaina Nomenjanahary put Madagascar ahead at the 12th minute scoring a goal that left Nigeria playing catch up. On the 53rd minute, Charles Andriamatsinoro sealed the victory for the team that is regarded as among the underdogs in the tournament in front of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) president and Madagascar native Ahmad Ahmad.
The Indian Ocean Islanders had to go through a gruelling qualification process but are now proceeding to the last 16 on top of their group while Guinea hoping to qualify as one of the best third-placed finishers after downing Burundi 2-0 in Cairo.
Meanwhile, the hosts Egypt maintained their perfect start to their tournament’s campaign when they beat Uganda 2-0 in the country’s capital Cairo to match to the last 16 on top of Group A. However, Uganda qualified into the last 16 stage in second place in the same group.
Kenya also beat their neighbours Tanzania to lift their hopes of qualifying as those among the best third-placed teams. They are set to face the Africa’s number Senegal, according to FIFA rankings.
Kenyans took to social media to celebrate their team while teasing Tanzania after getting the bragging rights. They will, however, have to wait in order to know if they will indeed get to the last 16 stage.
This year’s AFCON has seen teams play entertaining games with teams refusing to go down without a fight.
