• Tweeter

  • republish

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

Thanks to a magnificent free kick at the end of the match by Marco Ilaimaharitra, Madagascar won the first victory in CAN history against Burundi (1-0). Barea reactions after the meeting.

From our special envoy to Alexandria,

On his neck, Carolus was tattooed three stars. We can suggest the Malagasy player to add a fourth after this historic victory in the African Cup of Nations .

"We wanted to do well"

Since the start of qualifying, the Barea have surprised their world. Passed by a preliminary round, the men of Nicolas Dupuis advance at their own pace, always confident and welded. Initially, they had made history with this qualification for CAN in Egypt (they were the first). From now on, it's the eighths they're aiming for.

" The goal came at the right time, it allowed us to start on a second wind, " says Romain Metanire, tired face, which points a second feat after the snatch pulled away against Guinea (2-2). Under a blazing sun, the Malagasy suffered. " We're going back to relax. We had put pressure on each other, we wanted to do well, it galvanized us to win this victory . " Romain Metanire and his team still consider themselves outsiders. By taking a step back, they will realize the feat of the day.

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

During the preparation of this CAN, in Lisses in the Paris region, Faneva Andriatsima, the captain, had announced that Madagascar would succeed in entering the CAN with a victory over the three meetings of the first round. " We wanted to pay tribute to the Malagasy people who suffered yesterday, " announces the former Sochaux player. At least 16 people died and dozens more were wounded the day before in the capital Antananarivo, during a scramble during a concert given on the occasion of the National Day at Mahamasina stadium.

" We are doing miracles and that's good "

" Marco's free kick (Ilaimaharitra) was huge ," said Nicolas Dupuis. But we must continue and prepare for Nigeria because we are not qualified. This is the speech I will give to the players. But while remaining humble, the victory is there. This is our first participation and we have a draw and a win. We are doing miracles and that's good. "

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

Smiles, there have been on all faces. Even on Jeremy Morel who, because of injury, did not have the opportunity to walk on the pitch in the first two meetings. " That's what we wanted to do and we gave ourselves the means to get there ," says the Lyonnais, who arrived in selection in November 2018. " Now we will enjoy the evening. Against Nigeria, it will be complicated, but it is in these matches that you have to learn and grow, and the CAN is there for that, "he adds. The one who played more than one hundred and fifty meetings with Marseille loose: " The football is dreaming and allows us to dream. "

Yet, as Ibrahim Amada explains, the selection of Madagascar has not always been at the party. There were ups and downs and some players had left the Barea before coming back on the insistence of Nicolas Dupuis, who believed hard in his project.

Sunday, June 30, in Alexandria, Abel Anicet and his teammates hope that the adventure will continue until eighth.