Africa Cup of Nations new boys Madagascar secured arguably the greatest result in their history to defeat three-time champions Nigeria to win their group and clinch a place in the tournament's knockout stages.
Lalaina Nomenjanahary gave Madagascar an early lead on 12 minutes inside the Alexandria Stadium in Egypt before Charles Andriamatsinoro scored what would be the game's final goal less than 10 minutes into the second half.
The Indian Ocean island nation have made a mockery of the world rankings so far in this year's tournament, defeating a Nigerian team ranked 64 places above them in the official FIFA rankings. They also defeated Burundi and drew with Guinea to advance into the last-16 as Group B winners.
The achievement is a remarkable one for the team whose squad is largely comprised of players from the lower divisions of French football, particularly when the Nigerian starting 11 on Sunday was comprised of several players from Europe's top leagues.
Madagascar will face one of the remaining group's best third-placed team in the next round, with the identity of their upcoming opponents to be revealed in the coming days.
Nigeria, meanwhile, have set up the mouthwatering prospect of facing either Cameroon or four-time champs Ghana in the next Read More – Source
Africa Cup of Nations new boys Madagascar secured arguably the greatest result in their history to defeat three-time champions Nigeria to win their group and clinch a place in the tournament's knockout stages.
Lalaina Nomenjanahary gave Madagascar an early lead on 12 minutes inside the Alexandria Stadium in Egypt before Charles Andriamatsinoro scored what would be the game's final goal less than 10 minutes into the second half.
The Indian Ocean island nation have made a mockery of the world rankings so far in this year's tournament, defeating a Nigerian team ranked 64 places above them in the official FIFA rankings. They also defeated Burundi and drew with Guinea to advance into the last-16 as Group B winners.
The achievement is a remarkable one for the team whose squad is largely comprised of players from the lower divisions of French football, particularly when the Nigerian starting 11 on Sunday was comprised of several players from Europe's top leagues.
Madagascar will face one of the remaining group's best third-placed team in the next round, with the identity of their upcoming opponents to be revealed in the coming days.
Nigeria, meanwhile, have set up the mouthwatering prospect of facing either Cameroon or four-time champs Ghana in the next Read More – Source
