Seeking to pick up two wins from two and strengthen their lead at the top of Group E, Angola visit the Mahamasina Municipal Stadium to face Madagascar in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Sunday.
The Barea, on the other hand, will be looking to get their qualification campaign up and running after suffering a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Ghana in Wednesday's group opener.
Match preview
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Madagascar were on the receiving end of a 3-0 defeat at the hands of West-African giants Ghana when the sides squared off in the Group E opener on Wednesday.
In a one-sided affair at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium, Mohammed Kudus, Felix Afena-Gyan and Osman Bukari all scored second-half goals to hand the Black Stars a comprehensive home victory.
Prior to that, the Barea were last in action in November 2021 when they played out a 1-1 draw with Tanzania in the qualifiers of the World Cup qualifiers where they finished rock bottom in Group J.
Madagascar have now failed to win any of their last three games across all competitions, picking up one draw and losing twice since a 1-0 victory over Congo DR back in October 2021.
Eric Rabesandratana's men also head into the weekend winless in five consecutive Africa Cup of Nations qualification games — losing three and picking up two draws — dating back to a 6-2 win over Niger in 2019.
Madagascar will now look to end this dry spell and kick-start their return to the continental showpiece after missing out back in January courtesy of a third-placed finish in Group K of the qualifiers back in 2021.
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Meanwhile, Angola got their 2023 AFCON qualification campaign off to a flyer when they came from behind to see off Central African Republic 2-1 on home turf last time out.
After Samuel Nlend opened the scoring in the 32nd minute to hand the visitors a first-half lead, the Palancas Negra upped the ante in the second period as M'Bala Nzola and Gelson Dala scored in a three-minute spell to turn the game on its head.
Prior to that, Pedro Goncalves's side were on a three-game winless run, picking up two draws and losing one of their final three games in Group F of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers back in 2021.
Like this weekend's hosts, Angola missed out on the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year after picking up just four points from six games to finish rock bottom in Group D of the 2022 qualifiers.
While the Central African side will be looking to pick up successive wins for the first time since September 2019, next up is the challenge of an opposing side against whom they have failed to defeat in any of their last five meetings between the teams, losing two and claiming three draws.
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Team News
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Despite their humbling defeat against Ghana, we expect to see a back three of Rajo Razafindrabe, Mamy Randrianarisoa and LA Galaxy man Rayan Raveloson at the defensive end of the pitch.
Rabesandratana could make a few chances in attack following their toothless display against the Black Stars, with the likes of 21-year-old Arnaud Randrianantenaina and Njiva Rakotoharimalala pushing for a starting role.
Meanwhile, off the back of an impressive opening-day display against Central African Republic, Goncalves could name an unchanged starting XI with this preferred 4-1-4-1 formation this weekend.
Should that be the case, we should see a back four of Eddie Afonso, Kialonda Gaspar, Jonathan Buatu-Mananga and Nurio Fortuna shielding Cape Town City's Hugo Marques in goal.
Ludogorets Razgrad man Show should operate in a lone defensive midfield role with Fredy and 29-year-old Yano offering support at the centre of the park.
Leeds City forward Helder Costa, who made 22 appearances for Valencia on loan in the La Liga, should spearhead the attack, while Nzola will push for a starting role after his impressive display off the back against Les Fauves.
Madagascar possible starting lineup:
Razakanirina; Randrianarisoa, Raveloson, Razafindrabe; Lapoussin, Amada, Hery, Andriamanjato, Mombris; Fanomezantsoa, Donisa
Angola possible starting lineup:
Marques; Afonso, Gaspar, Buatu-Mananga, Nurio; Show; Dala, Fredy, Yano; Nzola; Costa
We say: Madagascar 1-1 Angola
Buoyed by Wednesday's victory, Angola will head into the weekend with sky-high confidence as they look to strengthen their lead at the top of the group. However, they have struggled for results away from home and we predict Madagascar will make use of their home advantage and force a share of the spoils.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Joshua Ojele
