Madagascar’s inspiring story in Alexandria

CAIRO – 8 July 2019: Madagascar defeated DR Congo on penalty shootouts to reach the quarter finals and continue their amazing journey at 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Madagascar started the game with much confidence on the pitch that witnessed their amazing campaign at the group stage.

The Malagasy national team opened the score after eight minutes by their midfielder, Ibrahim Samuel Amada.

Following the goal, Congolese players grew into the game and they equalized the score minutes before half time through their veteran striker, Cedric Bakambu.

At the second half, Madagascar regained their dominance at the game and they have created many chances to score that resulted in their second goal at the game by Faneva Andriatsima.

Madagascar fans as well as the country’s president who arrived in Alexandria to support the team were shocked by an equalizing goal from Congo’s Chancel Mbemba seconds before the final whistle to send the game to extra time and penalty shootouts.

Madagascar scored their four attempts at the penalties while Congo’s Marcel Tosserand and Yannick Bolasie missed two penalties to declare Madagascar winners.

Madagascar will face the winner between Ghana and Tunisia who face each other on Monday night.

The Malagasy team have to leave their comfort zone in Alexandria as their game at the quarter finals will be played in Al Salam Stadium in Cairo.

Madagascar participates at the tournament for the first time in the history and they have established themselves as the tournament’s underdogs.