The Barea of Madagascar today recorded a massive shock 2-0 win against three-time African champions Nigeria to win 2019 AFCON Group B leaving better-ranked Super Eagles of facing perennial rivals Ghana in the Round of 16.
An avaoidable blunder by defender Leon Balogun after 13 minutes gifted Madagascar, who are ranked a lowly 108th in the world, an early lead.
The unfancied islanders doubled their lead in the 53rd minute, when a free kick by Carolus Andrea took a huge deflection off Wilfred Ndidi to beat Ikechukwu Ezenwa in the Nigeria goal.
The Super Eagles, who are 42nd in the world by FIFA, failed to lift their game, while Madagascar fought for every ball, resolute at the back and were the hungrier of the two teams all through.
Nigeria did not deliver quality service to the attack led by Odion Ighalo, who was shut out by his two markers.
The outcome of this David vs Goliath clash could now be that Nigeria come up against West African rivals Ghana in the Round of 16 clash on July 6 in Alexandria.
Madagascar, on the other hand, will square up against one of the third-best qualifiers.
Guinea beat Burundi 2-0 in the other game of the group in Cairo to boost their chances of making it to the knockout rounds.
Mohammed Yatara scored a brace for Syli National.
Eagles vs Madagascar
Ikechukwu Ezenwa – Ola Aina, Chidozie Awaziem, Leon Balogun, William Ekong – John Ogu (Wilfred Ndidi 46), Oghenekaro Etebo, Mikel Obi (Alex Iwobi 59) – Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo, Samuel Kalu (Moses Simon 73)
