Africa Cup of Nations match report Madagascar v Burundi

Madagascar secured their first-ever win at the Africa Cup of Nations finals with a 1-0 victory over Burundi at Alexandria Stadium.   The Malagasy launched the first threat from Faneva Andriatsima's free-kick 14 minutes in, but Jonathan Nahimana pulled across to make a save. Another opening fell for the Islanders two minutes later, but Carolus Andriamahitsinoro missed from close-range after pouncing on to a loose ball.   Madagascar dictated matters afterwards, with the Burundians needing a guilt-edge clearance from Gael Bigirimana to keep out Andriamahitsinoro a minute to halftime. Thus, the Burundians made a change at the start of the second half with Enock Sabumukama replacing Shassiri Nahimana.   Although the danger wasn't over six minutes after the break, as Andriamahitsinoro's snap-shot from a free-kick flew wide of target. At the same time, Madagascar's maiden substitution happened as Paulin Voavy came on for Andriamahitsinoro.   Burundi claimed controlled matters near the final minutes, and instantly threatened with a header from Berahino and Bigirimana's free-kick minutes of each other.   Madagascar however grabbed the front-foot 76 minutes in as Marco Ilaimaharitra nestled the top left- corner with a well-articulated free-kick.   Starring elimination, Burundi searched for an instant response in the final minutes but Mohamed Amissi failed to beat Melvin Andrien.   Ilaimaharitra looked for a second in the final minute, but Nahimana came up with a good save from inside the area. That didn't matter though as Madagascar made history with their first ever win at the Africa Cup of Nations finals as Burundi exit the tournament.