Trial run, masterstroke or almost masterstroke. The Malagasy national football team, Barea de Madagascar, did not demerit in its first match, during its first participation in the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) which takes place in Egypt since Friday, June 21 last. Facing Guinea, the favourites for this match, Faneva Ima’s team was able to score 2 goals by all against an African team ranked 71st in the Fifa ranking.
A first victory on a continental scale would have been appreciated by Malagasy football fans, as the defence of the Malagasy national team still needs to be improved. Barea’s captain needs to do more to remedy this, according to various analysts after the match. Although the defensive hinge is made up of the international-level and fairly high-profile players of the French championships, it shows weaknesses compared to the younger and more spirited strikers of the opposing teams.
Barea’s next match in their group will be on Thursday. It will be against Burundi, who are also making their first appearance at the continental football summit. Commentators believe that the Burundi team is within the Barea’s reach. However, football does not fail to hold surprises. The Malagasy should make no mistake in their next match as their chances of reaching the Round of 16 are at stake.
Programme Barea :
Saturday 22 June 2019
. Guinea 2-2 Madagascar
Thursday 27 June 2019
. Madagascar – Burundi
Sunday June 30, 2019
. Madagascar – Nigeria
