Madagascar continued their incredible run at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with a 4-2 penalty shootout win (2-2 after extra-time) over Democratic Republic of Congo at Alexandria Stadium in Alexandria on Sunday evening.
Barea will now face either Ghana or Tunisia for a place in the final four.
Ibrahim Amada and Faneva Imà Andriatsima were on target for Madagascar in regulation time while goals from Cedric Bakambu and Chancel Mbemba levelled matters on two occasions for the Leopards.
Madagascar regained the lead in the 77th minute. Romain Métanire set off on a lung-busting run down the right flank before teeing up Andriatsima who guided his header past Ley Matampi in the DRC goal.
The Barea captain’s strike looked sure to send the island nation into the quarterfinals, but Mbemba had the final say of regulation time as he denied Madagascar victory; nodding home from a corner-kick in the 90th minute
The Leopards dominated proceeding in extra-time, but were unable to find the killer blow as the game duly headed to a dreaded shoot-out.
Marcel Tisserand ballooned DR Congo’s opening penalty which set the tone for what was to follow. Madagascar scored all four of their attempts before Bolasie sent his shot over the crossbar and the Leopards crashing out of the competition.
Madagascar (1) 2 (Amada 9′ Andriatsima 77′)
DR Congo (1) 2 (Bakambu 21′ Mbemba 90′)
Madagascar won 4-2 on penalties.
Madagascar: Adrien; Andrea (Morel 106′), Pascal, Andriatsima (Rakotoharimalala 112′), Nomenjanahary (Caloin 89′), Amada, Raveloson (Andrianarimanana 58′), Metanire, Fontaine, Mombris, Anicet.
DR Congo: Matampi; Djos, Muzinga, Tisserand, Chadrack (Bolasie 70′), Mulumbu (Bope 67′), Moke (Meschak 46′), Maghoma, Mbemba, Bakambu, Assombalonga (M’Poku 91′).
Source: SuperSports
