The Fairytale: Barea Madagascar Are No Longer Giant Killers, But Dark Horses of AFCON 2019

#AFCON2019

The most popular fairy in Madagascar folktale is about the biggest Lemur in the world called Babakoto (the gentle spirit of the forest), a story that is passed on from generation to generation, which is meant to instill self confidence and determination in the people " to accomplish impossible tasks."

Madagascar, previously known as Malagasy Republic, is an India ocean Island 400km (250 miles) off the coast of East Africa. A nation consist of Island of Madagascar (fourth largest island in the world)  and several small peripheral islands with a population approximate 25 million and land mass  587,041 km2 (226,658 sq mi).

Probably, known more for its unique ecosystem than it's football prowess ...plants and animals in this aquamarine country can't  be found anywhere else on earth.

Madagascar is placed 108th in the current FIFA World Ranking, hasn't been to the World cup and only debuting at the Africa Cup of Nations in this 2019 edition.

But the fairytale run of Madagascar continued on Sunday as the Barea produced another upset, beat DR Congo 4-2 on penalties to qualify for the quarter-final of the competition taking place in Egypt.

The Barea may not have only surprised the whole of Africa,  after beating Nigeria and now DR Congo, but have also surprised themselves. In just one week, they have moved from being seen as minnows to giant killers and now Dark Horses of AFCON 2019

The islanders have already made a big dream statement "we are not here just to participate, but to win the AFCON trophy for the first time."  

And if any of the remaining teams ever underestimated Madagascar as real contenders, they may have to take them more seriously now. The team is well organized, playing modern football techniques and tactics. Moreover, they have developed a self confidence and team spirit that cannot be easily broken down in this competition.

We are looking at the quarter finals, can Tunisia stop this Madagascans from this day dream or are we going to see another upset? 

Madagascar Vs Tunisia

Venue: Alexandria stadium

Date: Thursday, July 11

Time: 20 : 00 GMT+