No underdog story comes closer to Madagascar’s 2-0 win against Nigeria in Alexandria. The 2019 AFCON was and still is Madagascar’s only AFCON appearance since the inception of the competition in 1957.
Madagascar won 4 points in their opening two fixtures in Group B of the 2019 AFCON hosted by Egypt as they drew 2-2 against Guinea on matchday one.
In matchday 2, Madagascar defeated Burundi 1-0 thanks to IIaimaharitra’s 76th-minute goal.
They needed at least a point to make sure that they didn’t need help from any team against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Matchday 3. Nigeria under the stewardship of German tactician Gernot Rohr started Ezenwam, Awaziem, Balogun, Ekong, Aina, Etebo, Ogu, Mikel, Kalu, Musa and Ighalo in Alexandria.
Madagascar had never scored a goal against Nigeria but in front of 9,895 spectators at the Alexandra Stadium, Berea defied all odds and secured a surprise 2-0 win over Nigeria through Lalaina Nomenjanahary and Charles Carolus Andriamatsinoro’s 13th and 53rd-minute strikes respectively.
Madagascar surprisingly topped Group B with 7 points, scored 5 and conceded 2 goals.
Barea drew 2-2 with Dr Congo in the Round 16 and won 4-2 on penalties after 120 minutes of action.
In the Quarter-finals, Tunisia mauled Madagascar 3-0 to end their fairy-tale run.
AFCON has witnessed so many shocks since its inception but Madagascar’s 2-0 win in the Group Stage over Nigeria is one that will stay in the history books forever.
