DR Congo vs Madagascar
It is not intended to be remotely disrespectful when I say my immediate thought when mention of Madagascar is the quite brilliant family film of 2005 that I fondly remember watching with my then four year-old son!
Certainly, any football connection was not initially on my radar.
So, I did some research and found out why. Little did I realise, until recently, this is their Africa Cup of Nations debut.
And what a joy they have been. Arguably becoming the other ‘favourite’ team of fans from all over the continent and SBOBET writers as they defiy the Africa Cup of Nations betting odds, culminating, of course, in that famous win over Nigeria which sealed their place in the last 16.
Long may the Indian Oceaners reign.
Talking Points
As they prepare to meet a Democratic Republic of Congo side which scraped into the knockout stages with just three points, following defeats to hosts Egypt and Uganda, this is arguably another opportunity for Madagascar to create yet more Africa Cup of Nations highlights.
Yes, it is true, they beat a Nigeria side which made many changes.
But there is no disguising that French coach Nicolas Dupuis has built up an enterprising side around a number of players who ply their trade with lesser lights in his home country.
Striker Carolus Andriamatsinoro, who plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-Adalah, has netted in two group matches, including the surprise success against the Super Eagles.
Ranked 108th in the world, nobody expected Madagascar to produce anything in their first major tournament appearance but will now feel capable of anything and head into the knockout stages with no injury concerns.
Andriamatsinoro will be the one to watch and his partnership with Lalaina Nomenjanahary should provide goals for the competition’s surprise package.
Marco Ilaimaharitra will miss this clash against Congo because of a suspension but that is the only negative.
Indeed, a win for Madagascar at the Alexandria Stadium on would see them become the first debuting team to remain unbeaten in their first four games at the Africa Cup of Nations since Libya in 1982.
Or is the impetus now with Congo?
They got themselves in a sticky situation in their group before a 4-0 romp against Zimbabwe proved enough to see them progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
Antwerp striker Jonathan Bolingi pounced on a goalkeeping error to get the ball rolling, before Cedric Bakambu showed why he was the subject of a €40million switch to China by bagging a brace.
Middlesbrough’s £15million front man Britt Assombalonga completed the rout 12 minutes from time and the Leopards seem well-equipped to capitalise on their lifeline.
Former Everton winger Yannick Bolasie, West Ham full-back Arthur Masuaku, Birmingham midfielder Jacques Maghoma and ex-West Brom ace Youssouf Mulumbu are other familiar faces and more recognisable than many in their opponents’ line-up.
History
Their first ever meeting was in a friendly in 1960 when Madagascar embarked on a rout, winning 8-1.
When they next met, 27 years later, it was a lot closer as Madagascar edged a five-goal thriller.
The first competitive clashes came in the early 2000s when both nations tried to qualify, albeit unsuccessfully, for the World Cup.
Congo won 2-0 on home soil in April 2001 before the tables were turned with a Madagascar triumph, courtesy of a solitary goal in July later that year.
Neither made it to the tournament in Korea and Japan in 2002, however.
Their most recent meeting was a rout in favour of Congo.
They were 6-1 winners in 2016 in a qualifying match for the Africa Cup of Nations.
On that occasion, goals from Bakambu (two), Paul-Jose M’Poku (two), Bolasie and Jordan Botaka sealed the victory.
Betting Tip
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DR Congo vs Madagascar | DR Congo 1X2 @ 2.20 |
| July 08, 00:00 (GMT+8) |
In terms of who will advance to the quarter-finals, the SBOBET odds are quite clear.
You can back DR Congo 0.00 @ 1.65 with Madagascar priced 0.00 @ 2.23.
Asian Handicap odds offer Congo -0.25 @ 1.92, Madagascar 0.00 @ 2.28.
Goals are expected it would appear, (no surprise considering both side’s defensive records) given over 2.00 goals is available @ 1.96, total goal 0-1 @ 2.08 and total goal 2-3 @ 1.81.
You have to look at total goal 4-6 @ 5.40 to find odds that remotely may excite those who like productive wins!
The best available Double Chance bet is Madagascar or Draw @ 1.53.
I am leaning towards Congo, I must admit, despite the Malagasy magic.
I just feel Congo will have too much experience.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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