Africa Cup Of Nations
Result: Madagascar 1-0 Burundi
Date: 27 June 2019
Venue: Alexandria Stadium
Debutants Madagascar edged closer to a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 with a 1-0 win over Burundi on Thursday evening.
Burundi were eager to bounce back from their opening loss to Nigeria, but coach Olivier Niyungeko kept faith in Fiston Abdul Razak and Said Berahino, despite their quiet showing over the weekend.
After a quiet opening, Madagascar were presented with a chance to break the deadlock after 18 minutes after the ball fell kindly for Charles Andriamatsinoro, who could only fire straight at goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana from 12-yards out.
Nicolas Dupuis' charges certainly took confidence from their draw with Guinea as they dominated Burundi for most of the opening stanza.
Madagascar were nearly rewarded with the opening goal just before the break as the lively Faneva Andriatsima saw his header cleared off the line.
It was more of the same for Burundi in the second half as they showed no real attacking intent, which resulted in Berahino being replaced by Mohamed Amissi on the hour mark.
Burundi took control from thereafter, but it was Madgascar who broke the deadlock through a superb free-kick from Marco Ilaimaharitra with 15 minutes remaining.
Surprisingly, it was Madagascar who enjoy most of the ball in the latter stages, despite Burundi needing the equaliser to keep their campaign alive.
In the end, Madagascar were able to see out the closing stages to claim their first-ever AFCON victory and move closer to a spot in the knockout stage.
