Madagascar’s AFCON fairy tale continued on Sunday, 7th July with a penalty shoot out victory over the DRC.
The Barea are competing at their first AFCON whilst the DRC are two-time champions.
Madagascar had already defied expectations by topping a group featuring Nigeria, Guinea and Burundi whilst the DRC qualified as one the best 3rd placed teams. Despite this the DRC were expected to teach the newcomers a lesson.
The Malagasy took the lead twice, first through a Ibrahim Amada rocket and then a diving header from their record scorer Faneva Andriatsima but both times the Leopards were able to equalize.
First through Cedric Bakambu and then a 90th minute header from defender Chancel Mbemba.
The game eventually went to penalties with Madagascar scoring all four of their penalties and Marcel Tisserand and, Yannick Bolasie missing for the DRC.
Ludogorets midfielder Anicet Abel credited their teamwork for the win and believed it was their biggest advantage going forward. He told the media
“We worked as a collective. In football everyone has to contribute, and today we showed the world we are capable”
AS Vitré striker William Gros summed up the mood perfectly when he declared “It is unbelievable”
Madagascar will face the winner of the Ghana – Tunisia clash on the 11th of July at 7pm GMT.
Susu Graham/citisportsonline.com/Ghana