AFCON Group B: Madagascar 2-2 Guinea
AFCON debutants Madagascar picked a point off Guinea during their four goal group B stalemate in Alexandria.
The point was historical for “Barea”, playing continental finals for the very first time of asking.
Guinea hit the post through Ibrahim Cisse after 27 minutes.
The West Africans took the half time lead through Sory Kaba who raced onto a long ball by Amadou Traore, before he rounded over the advancing goalkeeper for the opener.
Carolus Andriantinaina scored the first ever goal for Madagascar, heading home a corner four minutes into the second half for the equalizer.
Anicet Andriamatsinoro doubled the lead on 55 minutes as the Islanders bossed the game.
Guinea got the equalizer through Francios Kamano’s well taken penalty on 65 minutes.
The penalty was awarded after Roman Metanire fouled Ibrahima Traore within the goal area.
Reactions:
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.
Paul Put, Guinea Head Coach
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.
Nicolas Dupuis, Madagascar Head Coach
