Thursday, March 28, 2024

Madagascar shock Nigeria to extend Cup of Nations fairytale

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Madagascar’s midfielder Lalaina Nomenjanahary celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group B football match between Madagascar and Nigeria at the Alexandria Stadium on June 30, 2019. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP)

Africa Cup of Nations newcomers Madagascar pulled off a stunning upset of Nigeria on Sunday with a 2-0 win over the three-time former champions to clinch a place in the last 16.

Lalaina Nomenjanahary gave Madagascar a shock 12th-minute lead in Alexandria after pouncing on ponderous defending, jolting a side ranked 63 places above them in the world.

Charles Andriamatsinoro sealed the victory in front of CAF president and Madagascar native Ahmad Ahmad with a heavily deflected free-kick on 53 minutes for his second goal in three games in Egypt.

The Indian Ocean islanders had to come through a preliminary round just to reach the qualifying competition but will advance as winners of Group B ahead of Nigeria, with Guinea hoping to progress as one of four best third-place finishers following a 2-0 win over Burundi in Cairo.

12 COMMENTS

  1. Good.
    I am never a fan of the so called Super Eagle in Africa.
    I am never a fan of England soccer team either in Europe.
    I am never a fan of Argentina neither.

  2. Nigeria has neva been that good.
    Almost always ku world cup but mediocre.

    country with a population exceeding 120m and oil but nothing to show for it

    • They glorify their foreign based players who just come in from Europe to de-stabilize the team when they are not picked…I mean what is an old man like Obi Mikel still playing and still aged 32…they guy is a defensive midfielder you only play him when you are protecting a lead in the 80th min.

  3. Only people who dont know African football are surprised and think its an upset; Madagascar is a footballing nation…the number of times Zambia has gone there for qualifiers since the 80s is countless.. Nigerians are just good at talking …when it comes to working together its another thing. Only the team of the 90s captained by Rashidi Yekini with likes Finidi George were proper squads not these players of today who never reach 30 and the young ones who live in London and dont respect locals.

  4. A good lesson to our Nigerian Brothers. They talk to much as if God paid more attention when creating Nigerians. They are not super human after all. In fact their football on average is not the best in Africa. The only thing is that they are very assertive and end up overeating themselves. So a good lesson to the Nigerian. Football is won and played on the pitch no by talking too much. My Nigerian brothers pride comes before a fall. Learn to humble your selves like your one time hero”Stephen Keshi”. The man was a saint. He never openly showed pride and respected others. Good luck next time.

  5. At least Nigeria qualifìed to afcon. While zambia is at home playing like chiwempala united. Zambian football is now in class of little footballing nations like Malawi lesotho and swaziland. Yes, the rest of the big names in the region and all east african power huoses qualified to afcon – Tanzania zimbabwe south africa congo burundi uganda kenya madagascar Mauritius kenya.

  6. In whatever we do first thing we need to put God first Cause we are the people that plan’s but God is the one who came fulfill.so to our soccer fun’s let us be continue supporting our teams even if they can loose yours is to give power

  7. I credit Madagascar for their fearlessness, holding the bull buy its horns…..kudos Madagascar , personally I think you’re the best shot for Southern Africa.

  8. Anyway to help me please;
    Is football in category of gambling or what. And isn’t right to put God first in football ?
    Any volunteer to clarify more please

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