5 things you may not know about surprise Africa Cup of Nations side Madagascar

Africa Cup of Nations debutants Madagascar booked their place in the quarter-finals by beating DR Congo in a penalty shoot-out on Saturday.

Here, PA look at the tournament underdogs from the Indian Ocean island who have taken the competition by storm.

Late starters

The national team on the world’s fourth-largest island was not formed until 1947. Madagascar made their debut in a triangular tournament with Mauritius and Reunion. They lost their first game to Mauritius before beating Reunion 4-2 to record an inaugural win. Madagascar did not even bother entering the first seven AFCON editions after they were up and running.

Niche nickname

Madagascar are known as the Barea – a species of zebu cattle which is featured on Madagascar’s coat of arms. The horned cattle are not indigenous to Madagascar, however, being an export of South Asia.

Job share

French boss Nicolas Dupuis actually has two jobs. The 51-year-old was appointed Madagascar manager in March 2017, and became technical director of French Championnat National 2 outfit FC Fleury 91 in January 2019.

On the rise

Madagascar were 190 on the FIFA rankings, the lowest spot in their history, as recently as March 2014. But the Barea are now ranked 108th and certain to rise further after a tournament which saw them shock three-time African champions Nigeria – ranked 63 places higher than them – 2-0 at the group stage.

One to watch

Stikers Carolus Andriamatsinoro and Lalaina Nomenjanahary have been stand-out players in Egypt and both scored in the Nigeria win. But one player to definitely watch out for is the evocatively named Romario Baggio Rakotoarisoa, a 21-year-old midfielder who has a lot to live up to.