Madagascar poised to make African Nations Cup history

JOHANNESBURG: Madagascar will book a place at the African Nations Cup tournament for the first time if they defeat visiting Equatorial Guinea.

Form favours the Malagasy as they edged their Group A opponents 1-0 away two days ago thanks to an early goal from France-based Faneva Andriatsima.

He was among 10 foreign-based starters for Madagascar with defender Tobisoa Njakanirina from perennial domestic champions CNaPS Sport the exception.

Frenchman Nicolas Dupuis coaches the team from the huge Indian Ocean island and has steadily transformed them from whipping boys to competitive opponents.

That much was evident last month when they twice came from behind against 2018 World Cup qualifiers Senegal in Antananarivo to force a 2-2 draw.

The top-of-the-table clash was staged against the tragic backdrop of a pre-match stampede outside the national stadium which left one supporter dead and 41 injured.

A consequence was that Madagascar must play their next three home matches away from the Mahamasina Stadium and will face the Equatorial Guineans in Vontovorona today.

“We have learnt many lessons from that sad occasion and there will be no recurrence,” interim Malagasy football chief Doda Andriamiasasoa assured reporters.

Senegal and Madagascar have seven points each, Equatorial Guinea three and Sudan none halfway through their six-round qualifying group.

If Madagascar gain maximum points, and Sadio Mane-inspired Senegal completed a double over Sudan by winning in Khartoum later the same day, both will qualify.

Although Senegal outclassed Sudan in Dakar en route to a 3-0 victory, they are likely to find the sauna-like conditions in east Africa a challenge after limited acclimatisation.