Madagascar Continue Fairy Tale Run With Penalty Win Over DR Congo

Madagascar continue their fairy tale run in their maiden Africa Cup of Nations after beating two-time Champions, DR Congo 4-2 on penalties after playing a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

Although strikes by Faneva Ima Andriatsima and Ibrama were both cancelled out those by Cedric Bakambu and Chancel Mbemba, they held the nerves in the penalty shootout to keep their dream alive as Yannick Bolasie cost his side in the end.

While Congo were the favourites on paper, Madagascar were the better side and they started the encounter like a team unbeaten in the tournament. The started on the front foot with an excellent strike from Amanda giving Madagascar the much deserved lead just inside nine minutes.

The pressed Congo for most parts of the game, frustrating their play and movements until they got an equalizer out of the blues.

Inside of 11 minutes, a pinpoint cross from Ngonda Muzinga was met by Bakambu as he snatched an equaliser and his third goal of the tournament.

Ngonda was once more spearheaded an attack that should have seen them easily taken the lead. Golden chance missed!

The second half game followed the same tempo as the first and Madagascatlr thought themselves winner of the tie with only 13 minutes left on the clock to play when Andriatsima headed home Romain Metanire’s cross, but third time lucky, Mbemba converted from a corner in the final minute to set up extra time. The islanders were gutted. They should have easily found themselves in the next round.

Mbemba almost scored once again only moments after the restart but his header was saved by Melvin Adrien.

The game ended in a penalty shootout and Madagascar earned a place in the next round after a spot miss from Yannick Bolassie.

Debutants, Madagascar came into this game having won two and drawn one of their last three games. They have enjoyed a fairly tale run and look deserving of being regarded as a top team in this year’s continental competition.

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