Madagascar won their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations match by beating Group B rivals Burundi 1-0 in Alexandria.
Marco Ilaimaharitra’s second-half free-kick was enough to secured the victory for Madagascar, one day after the nation celebrated Independence Day.
Madagascar, playing in their first ever African Cup of Nationsfinals, played a 2-2 in their opening match against Guinea on Saturday, while Burundi led by Saido Berahino remain pointless after losing their first game 1-0 to Nigeria.
Both side’s defended very well for most part of the game , butBurundi created several chances just after the hour mark.
Fiston Abdul Razak who scored on six occasions during the qualifiers and Enock Sabumukama wasted clear-cut chances and a shot from Gael Bigirimana, was saved in the top corner by Madagascar goalkeeper Melvin Adrien.
Burundi were made to pay in the 76th minute when defender Omar Ngandu fouled Paulin Voavy and Ilaimaharitra curled the resulting free-kick in the back of the net.
Madagascar goalkeeper, Adrien pulled off another great save in the closing stages to keep out Mohamed Amissi’s angled shot, Burundi pair Omar Ngandu and Christophe Nduwarugira both headed narrowly wide in the final minute.
The win put Madagascar in second place in Group B with four points, two behind Nigeria who has already sealed a place in the round of 16.
Guinea are third with a point while Group’s second debutants Burundi remains pointless in fourth place.
Madagascar has chance to finish on top of the Group, if they get thebetter part of Nigeria in their last Group B game .
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