CHAN MATCH PREVIEW: NIGER vs MADAGASCAR

Two challengers for Bronze medal in the 2022 Championship of Africa Nations square off on Friday, as Niger takes on Madagascar at the Miloud Hadefi stadium in Oran.

Niger were condemned to one of their most embarrassing defeats by tournament hosts, Algeria in their semi final encounter, while Madagascar fell narrowly at the hands of Senegal.

To get this far, the Barrea beat Almighty Ghana and Sudan in the group stages before they thrashed Mozambique by three goals to one in the quarterfinal. Pape Diallo’s early strike for Senegal in the first half saw off the threat of Romuald Rakotondrabe men in their semifinal encounter.

Standing in their way is an opposing side who are without a victory in the previous two meetings between them. Niger head into Friday’s game after they were trounced by Algeria by five goals to zero. There was an evident gulf in class between the two nations, with first-half strikes from Ayoub Abdellaoui, Aymen Mahious and a Katakore Boureima own goal left Harouna Doula’s men with a mountain to climb after which Soufiane Bayazid put the icing on the cake.

Having already surpassed their best-ever finish at the African Nations Championship, it is never any surprise to see Niger flirting with danger but with some pride still left to play for, Dama Gazelle can be trusted to give Madagascar a run for their money.

  TEAMS NEWS

Niger coach, Harouna Doula is not expected to make many changes here. Bilyamine Moussa and Faysal Abdoulaye were subbed off in the defeat to Algeria, but they could return for Friday’s duel.

Star forward Koloina Razafindranaivo should still be able to feature for Madagascar after he sealed his move to Algerian side MC Alger two days ago.

Niger possible starting lineup:
Djibrilla Kassali (GK), Nasser Garba, Boureima Katkore (C), Ismael Souley, Adamou Djibo, Faycal Iboun, Soumana Boubacar, Seyni, Mousa Bilyamine, Salissou; Soumana Hainikoye

Madagascar possible starting lineup:
Razakanirina; Rabarijaona, Rakotonirina, Tantely, Nirina; Andriamanjato, Andriamirado; Tokinantenaina, Rafanomezantosa, Raza; Razafindrakoto

      PREDICTION

We say: Niger 1 – 2 Madagascar

Aware of the consequences of defeat, Madagascar are likely to come out firing on all cylinders. Nevertheless, Niger will be more than happy with a draw in stipulated time, leading us to predict a slim victory for the Barea.