Madagascar drew 2-2 with Senegal in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification Group A match at the Mahamasina Municipal Stadium in Antananarivo on Sunday afternoon.

As a result, the Lions of Teranga remained at the top of the Group A table, while Barea also remained second on the standings.

Barea went into this game having secured a surprise 3-1 win over Sudan away in their maiden game in the qualifying campaign in June 2017.

While the Lions of Teranga opened their campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over the 2015 AFCON hosts Equatorial Guinea at home over a year ago.

The deadlock was broken four minutes before the half-hour mark and it was Moussa Konate, who hit the back of the net.

The Madagascar defence failed to deal with Salif Sane’s long pass and the ball fell for Konate, who scored with a first shot to make it 1-0 to Senegal.

Barea then pushed for the equalizing goal with the half-time break fast approaching.

The hosts managed to level matters through Paulin Voavy, who is on the books of Egyptian Premier League club Misr lel-Makkasa.

The forward beat Senegal’s Italy-based goalkeeper Alfred Gomis to make it 1-1 for Madagascar on the stroke of half-time.

The score was 1-1 at the interval following a lively first-half.

Barea came back rejuvenated after their half-time team talk with French coach Nicolas Dupuis.

However, it was the visitors, who scored the next goal through Italy-based forward Keita Balde Diao two minutes after the hour-mark.

The Inter Milan attacker beat Madagascar keeper Jean Dieu-Donne Randrianasolo to make it 2-1 to Senegal following a brilliant solo run.

The lead only last for six minutes as the home side managed to restore parity following a mistake by the Lions of Teranga defence.

Senegal’s highly-rated defender Kalidou Koulibaly scored an unfortunate own-goal to make it 2-2 for Madagascar much to the delight of the home crowd.

Madagascar then contained Senegal in the dying minutes of the game and ultimately, the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

Madagascar (1) 2 (Voavy 44′, Koulibaly 68′)
Senegal (1) 2 (Konate 26′, Balde 62′)

Madagascar: Randrianasolo, Mombris, Razakanantenaina, Metanire, Fontaine, Nomenjanahary, Ilaimaharitra, Rakotoharimalala, Andriatsima, Amada, Voavy.

Senegal: Gomis, Gassama, Salif Sane, Koulibaly, Mbengue, Ndiaye, Kouyate, Sarr, Mane, Keita Balde, Konate.

African Football