Debutants of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, the Barea of Madagascar has progressed into the quarter-finals after beating the Leopards of D.R Congo 4-2 on penalties following a two all draw at the end of extra time.
A pulsating start to the first half presented the neutrals of the game something to keep them on their seat as they waited for the first goal of the match. After pressing for some time, Madagascar took the lead on the 9th minute with what surely will be a contender for goal of the tournament.
Midfielder Ibrahim Samuel Amada sent a thunderbolt strike from outside Guinea’s 18-yard box into the back of the net following some neat footwork from nibble footed winger Lalaina Nomenjanahary.
The debutants could however not hold on to lead and allowed their opponent to draw level ten minutes later. Talisman Cedric Bakambu headed home a beautiful cross from Ngonda Muzinga to restore parity for DR. Congo.
Both sides pushed for an equalizer that would have given them the lead at the end of the first half but lacked the quality upfront to create the needed goal scoring opportunities.
Having resumed the second half, none of the sides really exhibited quality and allowed the game to drag a bit with limited action.
On the 75th minute, the match looked like it will head into extra time until Madagascar upped their game and went on some promising counter-attacks. One finally paid off on the 77th minute when captain for the side Faneva Ima Andriatsima sent his header into the back of the net.
The D.R Congo showed determination to respond strongly with good intent. They attacked and attacked until Chancel Mbemba scored in the dying minutes of the match o draw them level for the second time in the match.
The Barea contained the pressure from the Leopards throughout the extra time and went on to win the match on penalties. They will face the winner of the round of 16 match between Ghana and Tunisia in the quarter-finals.