Madagascar vs Nigeria: Super Eagles suffer disappointing 2-0 defeat at AFCON 2019
- Madagascar vs Nigeria Group B clash at the AFCON 2019 ended 2-0 in favour of the Barea
- The Super Eagles went down as early as the 13th minute after Lalaina Nomenjanahary stole the ball from Leon Balogun before beating Ezenwa
- Madagascar doubled their lead in the 53rd minute after Carolus Andriamahitsinoro's free-kick was deflected by Ndidi before beating Ezenwa in goal for Nigeria
Nigeria's Super Eagles suffered a surprise defeat in the hands of Madagascar as they fell 2-0 to the Barea to surrender the first spot in Group B to their opponent.
Madagascar took the lead in the 13th minute from a defensive blunder from Brighton defender Leon Balogun.
The defender who only celebrated his 31st birthday on Friday, June 28, allowed Lalaina Nomenjanahary to steal the ball from him before the striker dribbled past Ezenwa and tapping home from close range.
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At the point, Madagascar started believing they could get their first victory over Nigeria. However, in the 30th minute, Nigeria had a very good chance to level matters as Ahmed Musa was found free in the box
But the attacker decided to dribble the goalkeeper whereas he could have taken his shot immediately. Although Musa appealed for a penalty, the referee waved play on.
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Nigeria failed to create many clear cut chances as Mikel again played in the no 10 position for Nigeria. The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Madagascar.
At the start of the second half, coach Rohr brought in Wilfred Ndidi for John Ogu. But the substitute was the guilty party this time around for the second goal.
After giving away a free-kick in a dangerous position, Ndidi could only watch as his deflection allowed Carolus Andriamahitsinoro's free-kick made its way into the net.
53 minutes played and it was Madagascar 2-0 Nigeria. Rohr was forced to make more changes as he brought in Alex Iwobi for John Obi Mikel and Moses Simon for Samuel Kalu.
But the changes didn't have much impact in the game as Nigeria failed to create any clear cut chance in the whole of 90 minute.
A lacklustre performance means the Super Eagles suffered their first defeat at AFCON 2019 and surrendered top of Group B to Madagscar who finished first with seven points.
Super Eagles are second on six points while Guinea who beat Burundi 2-0 in the other game finished third on four points. Nigeria will now face runners up in Group F in the round of 16 with Ghana currently occupying that position.
Read our live coverage of the game here.
Earlier, Legit.ng had reported that Super Eagles vice captain Ahmed Musa said that the Super Eagles are not afraid to play against any team at the AFCON 2019 tournament.
Musa made his senior international debut against Madagascar during an AFCON qualifying match in 2012.
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Super Eagles will avoid World Cup mistakes at AFCON 2019 - John Ogu| Legit TV
Source: Legit.ng
