Debutants Madagascar had their first ever point in the history of Africa Cup of Nations when they held Guinea to a thrilling 2-2 draw in Alexandria as both sides kicked off their Group B campaign.
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The point was historical for Barea who are having their AFCON debut this year, while Guinea’s Syli National would feel undone with seeing an expected victory slipping from their hands.
The game started nervously with both sides committing a number of fouls in midfield. Madagascar had the first shot on goal after 21 minutes when Lalaina Nominianahry tried to shoot but the ball went easily to the hands of Ali Keita between the posts for Guinea.
Ibrahim Cisse had Guinea’s best effort in the first half when he saw his shot kissing the upright after 27 minutes. Ima Andriasima could have broken the deadlock for Barea but his shot just missed the target at the half hour mark.
And it was Guinea who took the lead after 34 minutes via Sory Kaba. Amadou Traore’s long shot found Kaba one on one with Malagasy goalkeeper and he rounded him to put Guinea in lead with the goal that separated both sides at halftime.
Madagascar returned stronger and needed just four minutes after the restart to equalize. From a corner kick Andriantinaina jumped higher than everyone to head the ball home scoring Barea first ever AFCON goal.
The equalizer gave Madagascar confidence as they controlled possession. And it was not so long till they took the lead. Anicet Andriamatsinoro found himself one on one with Keita and he made no mistakes to give Madagascar the lead after 55 minutes.
With defeat looming Guinea had Liverpool star Naby Keita in after 62 minutes. Just three minutes layer they were awarded a penalty when Roman Metanire fouled Ibrahima Traore inside the vital area. Francois Kamano scored calmly from the spot to restore parity again.
Both sides tried to snatch a late winner but without success, to see the first AFCON 2019 draw.
Nigeria leads group B pack with 3 points, Madagascar and Guinea follow with a point each, with Burundi trailing pointless.
What they said:
Guinea head coach Paul Put:
I think at 1-0 in the first half we were playing really well because we controlled the tempo and opened up the field nicely. In the second half we didn’t play well and were unfortunate to concede from a set piece.
For Naby (Keita), it was not my decision to have him on the bench. It was his decision, it was his doctor’s decision, it was Liverpool’s decision and we have to respect it. From how he has played today I think he will be ready to start against Nigeria.
Midfielder Naby Keita:
I am happy to have come on and played some few minutes though we only picked up one point. It was a good game but tough. Playing after a long time felt good.
Next game against Nigeria is tough but I want to be on the winning side.
Madagascar coach Nicolas Dupuis:
We were playing against a big team, one of the best in the continent and for me 2-2 is a fair result to be honest. It is our first time to be here and I think we gave a good performance. Logically it’s a good result for us.
A point is a plus for our ambition and we hope to build it up into the next match.
Goal scorer Carolus Andriamatsinoro:
It was unfortunate we dropped two points today but all in all, we are happy with the performance. This was our first appearance at this tournament and we managed to get a point against a strong opponent.
We leave here with so much confidence.
