Madagascar and Burundi will meet in Africa Cup of Nations 2019 play on Thursday. The two sides will meet in Alexandria in their second Group B match of the tournament.
Madagascar claimed a 2-2 draw with Guinea in their first match. Manager Nicolas Dupuis’ team came from a goal down against Guinea to take a second half lead through Carolus Andriamatsinoro. The Barea were pegged back 11 minutes later, however, after conceding a penalty.
Burundi were defeated by an uninspired Nigeria in their opening Africa Cup of Nations match. The Swallows conceded a 77th minute goal to Nigeria despite equaling their opponent’s shots 15-15. Burundi were out possessed 65% to 35%, however.
Madagascar and Burundi have not played previously in any competition. Dupuis’ side is the 108th ranked team in the world. On paper, they are expected to fight for third place in Group B with Burundi.
Nigeria and Guinea should compete for first and second in the group. Madagascar and Burundi will have their eyes on third place. Third place can still move on to the knockout round, but both sides need to claim points on Thursday.
Madagascar may have claimed a 2-2 draw with Guinea but were outplayed for much of the match. The Barea finished with 40% possession and just six shots. The good news for Dupuis was Madagascar tallied three shots on target. It was also the same number of shots on target their defence allowed Guinea.
Andriamatsinoro will certainly have his place on Madagascar’s left wing once more after scoring the team’s second goal. Madagascar need to find a way to free up Faneva Andriatsima in the final third. He is the nation’s all-time leading scorer with 13 Madagascar goals.
Burundi star forward Sadio Berahino was unable to inspire the team in front of goal against Nigeria. Only three Burundi players compete in Europe and their lack of competitive quality will prevent them from challenging for the top two places in Group B.
In contrast to Burundi’s squad, a number of Madagascar players compete in France and play against higher quality opposition. That experience should help Madagascar in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Madagascar are winless in their last six matches in all competitions. Burundi are winless in their last four games. Thursday’s game will see two teams similar in talent and Africa Cup of Nations experience clash in a stalemate.
Matchday 2 should end in a draw with under 2.5 goals scored. Madagascar and Burundi will both claim a point and continue their fight for third place in Group B.