Categories: AFCONNews

Amazing Madagascar Dumps Congo DR Out Of Afcon 2019, Qualifies For Quarterfinals

It took 120 minutes of sweat and blood but Madagascar are through to the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations at their first attempt.

It is the first time a team debuting at the Afcon remain unbeaten in their first four games at the championship since Libya in 1982.

This was Madagascar’s first ever African Cup of Nations knockout round match but they were forced into extra time by Congo DR at the Alexandria Stadium.

The Leopards and the Barea were locked in a 2 – 2 draw after regulation time and penalty kicks were needed to separate the two after neither side could produce a winner during extra time.

Ibrahim Amada fired the debutants into a 9th minute lead, unleashing a rocket into the top corner to finish a great team move.
It could easily end up being the goal of the tournament. It was that beautiful.
But DR Congo were soon back in the game. In the 21st minute, Cedric Bakambu popped in the right place to draw the Leopards back on level terms with a close range strike. It  was his third goal at this year’s finals.

The Indian Ocean nation shocked 3-times champion with a 2-0 win to finish top of Group B.

Yet again, against another illustrious opponent, the Malagasy played without fear but with a lot of flair and it came as no surprise when they restored their lead in the 77th minute.

This time it was Favena Andriatsima who powered home a brilliant header off an equally fine cross.

But the drama was far from over.
With only seconds left of regulation time, reprief came the way of the Cemtral Africans. A towering header from Chancel Mbemba restored parity one more time and sent the match into extra time.

The score board still read 2 – 2 after extra time and it was straight to spot kicks. The Congolese were found wanting, missing two of their kicks, to send Madagascar into their first ever quarterfinals, into rapturous jubilation and into the record books.

This post was last modified on July 7, 2019 8:06 pm

Imhons Erons

Share
Published by
Imhons Erons

Recent Posts

Everything Chidera Ejuke said about Akor Adams on Sevilla debut

Super Eagles forward Chidera Ejuke has expressed elation at Akor Adams getting his Sevilla debut… Read More

6 hours ago

“We had a deal” – Trabzonspor President reveals Southampton’s shadiness over Onuachu’s transfer

Trabzonspor President, Ertugrul Dogan, has revealed Southampton prevented Super Eagles striker, Paul Onuachu, from moving… Read More

7 hours ago

Southampton boss lauds Super Eagles goalscoring duo after Ipswich victory

Southampton's head coach, Ivan Juric, praised Nigerian duo, Joe Ayodele-Aribo and Paul Onuachu after their… Read More

8 hours ago

Southampton’s Aribo ready to fight for top-flight status following goal against Ipswich Town

Super Eagles and Southampton midfielder, Joe Ayodele-Aribo has revealed his side plan to give everything… Read More

8 hours ago

Report: Carrick’s Middlesbrough nears signing of Super Eagles star

EFL Championship side Middlesbrough are reportedly closing in on the signature of Super Eagles attacker… Read More

16 hours ago