AFCON 2019
Guinea 2-2 Madagascar
Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria
Saturday, 22-06-2019
Debutants Madagascar frustrated Guinea to a 2-2 draw in their AFCON group B contest played at Alexandria Stadium on Saturday night.
Guinea were the favourites to get maximum points in this encounter basing on their past performances in the continental showpiece, having taken part in 12 editions.
In the 34th minute, Sory Kaba brilliantly finished off Amadou Diawara pass to give the National Elephants a deserved lead.
At halftime breather, Kaba’s goal was all that separated the two sides.
Four minutes after the recess, Anicet Abel levelled matters for Madagascar with a powerful header from a corner after a well timed run to the near post.
Kaba had a decent chance to score the second for Guinea in the 52nd minute but his effort went wide.
Three minutes later, Carolus Andriamatsinoro beautifully fired Madagascar into the lead for the first time in the game with a sensational finish.
Guinea coach Paul Put responded by introducing on Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita for Mohamed Mady.
In the 66th minute, the referee pointed to the spot after Romain Metanire fouled Guinea skipper Ibrahima Traore in the penalty area. Francois Kamano calmly converted from the spot to give his side a route back into the game.
Traore and Ibrahima Cisse both were guilty for missing numerous opportunities that could have given Paul Put’s side maximum points.
Guinea also introduced on Mohamed Yattara for Sory Kaba and Bengali Fode Koita for Francois Kamano.
Madagascar also brought on Paulin Voavy for Andria.
Madagascar duo of Marco IIaimaharitra and Romain Metanire was booked for reckless play.
Guinea next face Nigeria on Wednesday 26th June while Madagascar take on fellow debutants Burundi on Thursday.
Saturday’s other results
-DR Congo 0-2 Uganda
-Nigeria 1-0 Burundi
Sunday’s fixtures
-Morocco vs Namibia
-Senagal vs Tanzania @8pm
-Algeria vs Kenya @10pm
