Africa Cup of Nations 2019: Madagascar earn 2-2 draw with Guinea in tournament debut
- Published
Madagascar had won just one of 16 games in their previous four qualifying campaigns before qualification for the 2019 tournament began
Madagascar marked their Africa Cup of Nations debut with a draw against Group B opponents Guinea in Alexandria.
Sory Kaba had put Guinea ahead after 34 minutes, but Madagascar responded with two goals in six second-half minutes through Anicet Andrianantenaina and Charles Carolus Andriamahitsinoro.
Francois Kamano's 66th-minute penalty earned a point for Guinea, after Romain Metanire had fouled Ibrahima Traore.
Earlier on Saturday, Nigeria defeated Burundi 1-0 to top Group B.
Madagascar more than held their own in their first Africa Cup of Nations appearance, despite falling behind as Dijon striker Kaba latched on to Amadou Diawara's pass and calmly rounded goalkeeper Melvin Adrien.
The Madagascan players ran to celebrate with their coaching staff as Andrianantenaina headed in the nation's first-ever goal in the competition four minutes after half-time.
And Andriamahitsinoro completed the turnaround as he slotted in to the bottom left corner for Nicolas Dupuis' side - ranked 108 in the world.
Guinea coach Paul Put responded by bringing on Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita for his first appearance since 1 May, after the 24-year-old sustained a thigh injury against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final.
Metanire's poorly-timed tackle on Traore allowed Guinea - who failed to qualify in 2017 - a route back in to the match, and the 2015 quarter-finalists went close through Traore and Fulham's Ibrahima Cisse as they pressed for a late winner.
Guinea face Nigeria next on Wednesday (15:30 BST), while Madagascar take on fellow debutants Burundi on Thursday (15:30).
Analysis
By BBC Africa's Robert Misigaro:
Guinea against Madagascar was a very different game to the one before it between Burundi and Nigeria. The contrast couldn't be any greater in terms of pace and energy.
The mood in the stadium before the game was telling; Guinea fans in colourful clothes, choreographed dances to the rhythm of traditional Guinean drums. The party continued up the last whistle.
It was hard to believe that, just like Burundi, Madagascar were playing their first ever Africa Cup of Nations.
Even when they went a goal down in the 34th minute they did not relax. They carried on pushing and their effort paid.