Madagascar continued their incredible run at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with a 4-2 penalty shootout win (2-2 after extra-time) over Democratic Republic of Congo at Alexandria Stadium in Alexandria yesterday.
Ibrahim Amada and Faneva Imà Andriatsima were on target for Madagascar in regulation time while goals from Cedric Bakambu and Chancel Mbemba leveled matters on two occasions for the Leopards.
Following a goalless 30 minutes period in extra-time, the game would be decided from the spot and after four faultless penalties from Barea, Yannick Bolasie blasted his attempt over the woodwork as Madagascar claimed another historic scalp.
Madagascar opened the scoring as early as the ninth minute through an Amada stunner. The Barea midfielder let fly a left-footed rocket from range which clipped the underside of the crossbar before nestling in the back of the net, as the islanders kicked on from where the left off against Nigeria.
DR Congo hit back with a goal of their own in the 21st minute. Ngonda Muzinga provided a pin-point cross for Bakambu who nodded home from close range for his third goal of the tournament.
The first chance of the second-half fell to the China-based forward just short of the hour mark, but having beaten the offside trap he stumbled at the critical moment before scuffing his effort tamely into the hands of the Malagasy goalkeeper.
Madagascar regained the lead in the 77th minute. Romain Métanire set off on a lung-busting run down the right flank before teeing up Andriatsima who guided his header past Ley Matampi in the DRC goal.
The Barea captain’s strike looked sure to send the island nation into the quarterfinals, but Mbemba had the final say of regulation time as he denied Madagascar victory; nodding home from a corner-kick in the 90th minute
The Leopards dominated proceeding in extra-time, but were unable to find the killer blow as the game duly headed to a dreaded shoot-out.-Supersport
