2019 Africa Cup of Nations – Guinea vs Madagascar Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Guinea vs Madagascar taking place? Saturday 22nd June, 2019 – 21:00 (UK)
Where is Guinea vs Madagascar taking place? Alexandria Stadium, Alexandria
What television channel is Guinea vs Madagascar on? Eurosport 2
Where can I stream Guinea vs Madagascar? Subscribers can stream the match via Eurosport Player
Where can I get tickets for Guinea vs Madagascar? https://www.footballticketnet.com/2019-africa-cup-of-nations
THE TEAM NEWS
GUINEA
- Guinea are back at the finals after missing out on the last edition in 2017 in Gabon. They were quarter-finalists on their last appearance in 2015.
- Although they were unbeaten during qualification, they were held to a draw in each of their last three matches of the qualifying campaign and three consecutive defeats in friendly matches since then mean they come into the tournament without a win during their last six matches.
- Star midfielder Naby Keita is included in the squad but his involvement may be limited as he is still struggling with a thigh injury and has not played since early May.
MADAGASCAR
- Madagascar have qualified for the tournament for the first time and they were actually one of the first teams to qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations having done so with two matches to spare after a victory over Equatorial Guinea last October.
- They arrived in Egypt on Tuesday having completed their training camp for the tournament at the French Football Federation headquarters, and they have a number of French based players who ply their trade outside of the top flight.
- Just reaching the finals is a huge achievement for Madagascar as they come to Egypt without high expectations and are just hoping to be competitive and enjoy the experience.
THE PREDICTION
Guinea have not been in great form in the lead up to the tournament but their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages have been helped by the fact they are in a group with two debutants and they have an opening fixture against Madagascar who are one of those teams that are appearing at the finals for the first time. Madagascar produced some good results to secure qualification – including a draw against Senegal – but since they earned their spot at the finals, they have failed to win a game. Madagascar conceded more goals during qualifying than any other team that made it through to the finals and this defensive fragility might just enable Guinea to snatch victory.
