The Barea missed their opening match in Group L for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Madagascar fell to Nigeria (1-2) at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo this Friday evening.
This defeat follows the expected hierarchy between the two nations. As semi-finalists of the last AFCON in Morocco, the Super Eagles were heavy favorites in this encounter. However, the Malagasy national team attempted to challenge the African giant.
The Barea delivered a courageous performance on the pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Corentin Martins’ protégés opened the scoring; following a beautiful pass from Ryan Ponti, Eshan Kari put Madagascar in the lead (16th minute).
However, dominating throughout the match, Nigeria equalized before heading into the locker room. Capitalizing on a defensive misread by Madagascar, Alex Iwobi went one-on-one with Geordan Dupire and won the duel to equalize (45+1). Nigeria doubled their lead through Moses Usor (2-1, 65th minute).
This defeat does not help the Barea’s position in the race for the top spot in Group L. Guinea-Bissau defeated Tanzania 2-0 and provisionally occupies first place. Nigeria, having defeated the Great Island, is in second. Madagascar and Tanzania, the latter already qualified as a host nation for the next AFCON, share the bottom two spots.
The Malagasy selection must bounce back during the second matchday next Tuesday. The Barea will face the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau in Morocco.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-26 08:24:02 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.2424.mg/football-le-nigeria-bat-2-1-madagascar-pour-la-premiere-journee-des-eliminatoires-de-la-can-2027/