Madagascar’s magical AFCON run reaches quarterfinal stage
CGTN
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Streets in Madagascar were jam-packed with soccer enthusiasts after their national team advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. The Barea, who are playing in their first AFCON, and their fans continued their historic run with a 4-2 penalty shootout triumph over the Democratic Republic of Congo Sunday night.

The tournament first-timers made it to the knockout stage by upsetting Nigeria to finish top of their group.

Some 300 Malagasy supporters had arrived before last night’s game on a chartered plane, along with the country’s president Andry Rajoelina, and they created a lively atmosphere despite vast swathes of empty seats at the stadium.

Madagascar will play either Tunisia or Ghana in the quarterfinals.

The Tunisia-Ghana match takes place Monday night.