Madagascar have nothing at stake other than pride as they go into this game against Nigeria. An action that underlined this fact was the sacking of their national team due to indiscipline just a few days before this match. The country’s Under-23 team will now play the game.
Madagascar have never qualified for the African Cup of Nations and their best ever result was a 1-0 defeat of Egypt. This term, their best result so far has been the 1-1 draw against Guinea at home.
Coach Frank Rajaonarisamba’s new boys will see this as an opportunity to make a name for themselves as they welcome the Nigerians to their back yard. Having lost the first leg in Calabar 2-0, they will want to show the visitors that they can also play some good football.
Win or bust for Eagles
Coach Samson Siasia told the media at the airport during their departure that his team will not return home if they lose this important game that will keep alive their hopes of automatic qualification for Afcon 2012.
Nigeria will play a different team from the one they defeated in Calabar a year ago, but will go into the game with victory on their mind. Nigeria have not missed out on qualifying for the continental showpiece since 1986 (barring 1996 and 1998 when they did not participate) and they will need to win both games to secure a spot in next year's competition.
They let a lead slip in their last game against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, but will be more careful against the Barea in this encounter. Nigerians will be glued to their radio and television sets, monitoring this match.
TEAM NEWS
Madagascar
The major news that has come out of the Barea side in the last few days was the sacking of the senior team and their replacement with the U23 side ahead of this game. The banned squad was fingered for indiscipline during their Indian Ocean Islands Games. Maurice Mosa was also sacked as coach and replaced by Rajaonarisamba.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Robin Jean-Claude Rakotonirina (Ascum), Chretien Randriamifehy (Tana FC Formation), Jean Dieudonné Randrianasolo (Cnaps)
Defenders: Abdallah Aoulad (Japan Actuel's), Leonard Besabotsy (AS Adema), Andreas Fabricio (Cnaps), Bosco Jean (Ascum), Edgard Ndrasana (AS Adema), Lanto Randriamanalina (Tana FC Formation), Julio Razafimahatratra (Cnaps), Bienvenu Razaka (AS Comato), Pierralit Tovonay (Ajesaia), Mario (Japan Actuel's)
Midfielders: Urbain Andriamampionona (Académie ny Antsika), Fabrice Maevatombo (TCO Boeny), Ando Manoelantsoa (Ajesaia), Fredinand Ramanamahefa (Tana FC Formation), Tigana Razafimanindry (Academie ny Antsika)
Strikers: Milison Niasexe (AS Adema), Yvan Rajoarimanana (Cnaps), Baggio Rakotonomenjanahary (USS Tamponnaise, Réunion), Jean-Jacques Razanajafy (Ajesaia), Jeannot Vombola (Cnaps sport)
Nigeria
Missing a handful of top stars like Peter Odemwingie, Taye Taiwo and Kalu Uche to injury, Siasia will make do with what he has at hand. The team has complained of the bad state of the Antananarivo stadium and also had delay troubles before its flight to Madagascar. Siasia is expected to stick with the trio of Victor Obinna, Ike Uche and Victor Anichebe in his attacking line up.
Probable line up:
Vincent Enyeama; Elderson Echiejile, Joseph Yobo, Dele Adeleye, Chibuzor Okonkwo; Fengor Ogude, John Obi Mikel, Joel Obi; Victor Obinna, Victor Anichebe, Ike Uche
PREDICTION
It is a must win encounter for the west Africans and when push comes to shove, they usually deliver. The Barea really have nothing to lose at home but should roll over, albeit uneasily, for the Super Eagles.
Madagascar 1-3 Nigeria
