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The joy of the players of Madagascar after their goal scored against Burundi. Suhaib Salem / Reuters

Madagascar won on Thursday (June 27th) against Burundi in Alexandria on the second day of Group B. The Barea scored the only goal of the game in the second period thanks to a free kick from Marco Ilaimaharitra (1-0). ). This first victory in CAN gives them great hope for the second round.

From our special envoy to Alexandria,

Who will win the African Cup novice game in group B? This was the question we asked ourselves in Alexandria on a hot and always sunny afternoon. Verdict ninety minutes later: Madagascar gives itself the opportunity to continue the adventure.

► Also read : CAN 2019: Calendar, results and standings of the Africa Cup

Saido Berahino and his teammates had problems in Nigeria in the first match. But 15 minutes from the end, the Swallows had given in to Odion Ighalo , who had offered the victory to the Super Eagles (1-0). Against the Malagasy players, the Burundians lived the same scenario: a goal conceded in the last quarter of an hour.

Marco Ilaimaharitra, the man of a day

Marco Ilaimaharitra, who plays in Belgium in Charleroi, will remain the man of the afternoon after his magnificent free kick that went straight into the skylight (76th).

Madagascar had equal play against Naby Keita's Guinea , to the despair of the men of the national Syli. What to think bigger for the future. With three points against the Swallows, Madagascar can continue to dream. A feat for Petit Poucet who discovers the competition.

" Nigeria was our first final and this is the second final we are facing against Madagascar, " said the coach of Burundi before the meeting. And despite their desire, the men of Olivier Niyungeko failed to find the flaw. With a shot by Cédric Amissi in the box, Burundi could have opened the scoring (17th).

Marco Ilaimaharitra, a Malagasy international, scored a goal on a brilliant free kick against Burundi. Suhaib Salem / Reuters

It was finally Madagascar that offered the most opportunities during the first forty-five minutes. Note the performance of Carolus who has shaken the opponent camp on several occasions. In the 26th minute, Al-Adalh's player is found in the box, but the hinge prevents the attacker from scoring. The former USM Alger player had also attempted a direct free kick and Jonathan had deviated hard for a corner (13th).

An inspired Malagasy porter

Note also the opportunities of Favena Andriatsima who, twice, took advantage of a cons to stand alone against the goalkeeper. The Malagasy striker was out of gear in the 43rd minute and was stopped by Omar Ngando. The Burundian defense was watching.

The second period was then marked by possession of a ball for Burundi. Fiston Abdul Razak, the scorer of the qualifying selection, put a header but missed the frame (64). Just after, Melvin Adrien had to relax to release a direct free kick shot by Gael Bigirimana who was heading for the skylight (69th).

Thanks to an inspired goalkeeper and a determined Marco Ilaimaharitra, the Big Island has almost a foot in the round of 16. The next meeting will be tough against Nigeria Sunday, June 30. As for the Swallows, they will probably not see the second round for their first participation.