Entertainment

Super Eagles experience stunning loss to Madagascar in AFCON

Published

2 years ago

July 1, 2019

Diadem Akhabue

The Super Eagles yesterday experienced a stunning loss to Madagascar. Madagascar remains unbeaten at the Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON], after a stunning 2-0 win over Nigeria.

Madagascar beat the Nigerian team to come out top of their group on Sunday.

The team is ranked 108th and are competing in AFCON for the first time were not a favorite to win against Nigeria, a three-time AFCON champions.

Goals from Lalaina Nomenjanahary and Carolus Andriamahitsinoro put the match in Madagascar’s favor as they surprisingly finished on top of Group B.

Heading into the fixture with confidence from a win against Burundi – the nation’s first of any kind since October 2018 – Madagascar battled well. They were a threat on the break against a Nigeria side who appeared to have the next stage of the competition on their mind.

Nigeria advance in second place, and this was a wake-up call for them.

The opening goal came almost from nothing, John Ogu’s 12th-minute pass back to defender Leon Balogun intercepted with ease.

Balogun called for the ball but hesitated as it approached and as he dithered, he also lost his footing. Nomenjanahary had the time to nip in, steal the ball and show composure to round Nigeria goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and tap into an empty net.

Samuel Kalu curled an effort wide as Nigeria sought a quick response but even though they controlled possession, they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. Kalu’s appeal for a penalty was turned down despite it looking like he was clipped as he tried to round Madagascar goalkeeper Adrien Melvin.

Both sides are advancing into the next stage which is the round-of-16 stage.