Madagascar face DR Congo in Alexandria on Sunday as the AFCON 2019 round of sixteen continues.
Madagascar are the surprise package in this year’s knockout stage and finished top of Group B – ahead of Nigeria – in their first ever major tournament appearance.
DR Congo are the favorites heading into this match. They finished third in 2015, reached the quarter-finals two years ago and possess a much stronger squad than their opponents.
The Leopards made life difficult for themselves and only just managed to qualify for the last sixteen as one of the best third-placed teams.
They were beaten 2-0 by Uganda in their opening match and then lost to Egypt by the same scoreline, leaving them bottom of Group A with zero points and just one match remaining.
However, a 4-0 romp against Zimbabwe was enough to see them progress and they are fancied to come out on top in this contest.
Antwerp striker Johnathan Bolingi opened the scoring in their last match, before Cedric Bakambu bagged a brace with goals either side of half-time.
Middlesbrough's Britt Assombalonga completed the rout twelve minutes from time to secure DR Congo’s involvement in the knockout stage.
Madagascar claimed a surprise 2-0 triumph over Nigeria in their last match. Paris FC midfielder Lalaina Nomenjanahary and Al-Adalah striker Carolus Andriamatsinoro netted the goals for Barea.
The Super Eagles rested several players having already wrapped up a place in the last sixteen however you can’t take anything away from Madagascar’s performance.
They opened their AFCON 2019 account with a 2-2 draw against Guinea and then beat Burundi 1-0 in their second group game.
They remain unbeaten at this year’s tournament and finished top of Group B, with seven points from their three matches.
Madagascar do not have many household names and French coach Nicolas Dupuis has built a squad with many players from clubs in his home country’s lower leagues.
On the other hand, Yannick Bolasie (Everton) and Arthur Masuaku (West Ham) are other familiar faces in the DR Congo ranks.
The two teams last met in 2016 and DR Congo won the tie 6-1. It is likely to be a much tighter affair this time around, with a place in the quarter-finals of the competition at stake.
Forebet predicts a close encounter with extra-time and penalties a strong possibility.