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Madagascar's forward Faneva Andriatsima (2L) for water on Madagascar's coach Nicolas Dupuis (C) as they celebrate winning the 2019 African Cup of Nations (CAN) Group B football match between Madagascar and Nigeria at the Alexandria Stadium on June 30, 201 Giuseppe CACACE / AFP

Madagascar is a team that surprises its world. On the eve of a qualification for the second round, there were always so many smiles and good moods during training. This Sunday, June 30, in Alexandria, Petit Poucet has the luxury of holding Nigeria in check and taking the lead of Group B (2-0).

From our special envoy to Alexandria,

The beautiful story. After a historic qualification, a draw against Guinea and a first win in CAN against Burundi, the Barea faced Nigeria, ogre Group B, first nation to validate its place for the eighth.

Two and a half years ago, Tom Thumb did not imagine being here, in Alexandria, destiny in hand, facing one of the greatest nations of African football. Even less afford a luxury victory and take the lead in Group B.

Lalaina Nomenjanahary and Carolus in the history of Barea

Against the Super Eagles, the men of Nicolas Dupuis had a monumental encounter to play, with at least one draw to pass the second round, regardless of the outcome of the other meeting of the day, Guinea-Burundi. They did a lot better.

After Marco Ilaimaharitra's magnificent free-kick against Burundi (1-0), Lailaina Nomenjanahary made his entry into the history of Malagasy football with a goal in the 13th minute. The Paris FC player takes advantage of an error by Leon Balogun to open the scoring. Nigeria could have picked up again thanks to Ahmed Musa alone at the penalty spot, but Romain Metanire was beating the ball for a corner (31 ').

Uninspired Super Eagles

At the end of the first period, the Malagasy have the opportunity to double the stake and take the field with Faneva Andriatsima served in the opposing area. His powerful shot is not framed. In the second half, Carolus took advantage of a corner to afford a second goal in this 32nd edition. The former USM Alger player had already shaken the nets against Guinea.

The Malagasy expected a very complicated game. And against all odds, the dream continued for the Barea who had gone through the preliminary round during qualifying. Before stepping on Egyptian soil, all hoped for at least one victory. Faced with Super Eagles who have struggled to find their way, the record of the first round for the Malagasy is surprising.

The proteges of Nicolas Dupuis outright drop the moon with this round of 16 and this second victory in group stage against the Nigerian giant, triple champions of Africa. At the final whistle, Carolus, elected man of the match, knelt as his compatriot Abel Anicet. What a performance.

See also ► CAN 2019: Calendar, results and standings of the Africa Cup

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