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Ibrahim Amada (C) after his goal against the DRC, July 7, 2019. REUTERS / Suhaib Salem

At the Stade d'Alexandrie this Sunday, July 7, the Malagasy achieved a new feat by eliminating the Leopards on penalties (2-2, 4 to 2 tab). For their first African Cup of Nations, the Malagasy are in the quarterfinals. Reactions after this capital exploit.

From our special envoy to Alexandria,

Madagascar leaves Alexandria with a light heart, an accomplished duty. The Barea are in the quarterfinals , after an incredible course in the pool phase (first of group B) and a thrilling eighth final against the DRC Cédric Bakambu. Who would have thought Zebu would go so far in the competition? At home, we can easily imagine the party that should be in full swing all night long.

" I have a bunch of good guys "

" Tonight we were not so good, but brave. It could have been achieved morale in the 90th minute when the DRC equalizes (2-2). But we believed until the end, I have a bunch of good guys, "says the coach Nicolas Dupuis. And to add: " Together we can work miracles . The day before, the Barea had worked the penalty shoot-out. Now, we have to focus on shifts. In any case, the Big Island has never experienced such emotion.

" We had fun , we have no complex, we try to make our country proud ," says Ibrahim Amada. The player Mouloudia Algiers " certainly scored the most beautiful of the competition, " according to Nicolas Dupuis. " Scoring in the African Cup is a lot of emotion, admits the person . I return to the field to score. We savor this victory and we live a dream. I hope there will be other goals. Football is also envy . "

" Tonight it was difficult and we believed it was our strength "

On a knockout encounter, " luck " is also part of the scenario. Madagascar seized his. Twice, the men of Nicolas Dupuis led, but the DRC has never abdicated. Cédric Bakambu equalized (1-1, 21st) and Chancel Mbemba, on corner, snatched the extension (2-2, 90th). The rest, everyone knows.

" Tonight it was difficult and we believed it was our strength. We trust our partners, "says Romain Metanire, who was" serene "during the shooting session on penalties. " We came to qualify in the round of 16 and we go into quarters, " said the Minnesota United Football Club player in the United States.

" Tonight, we do not realize. But I know that we are no longer Tom Thumbs, "concludes Thomas Fontaine of the Stade de Reims.

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