Madagascar beat Zambia in Africa Cup Competition.
Antananarivo, 28 August: Madagascar has beaten Zambia by 59 points to 18 in the B-Section of the Africa Cup, the continent’s premier competition. The Makis completely dominated the match played at the Stade Municipal de Mahamasina. The victory over Zambia moves Madagascar closer to winning the section after their 22-all draw with Zimbabwe two weeks ago. The final match in the group is on September 16 in Lusaka when Zambia host Zimbabwe.
Zambia started the match well when Andrew Kaminsa put them in the lead through a 5 Th minute penalty, Five minutes later the Makis got on the board when Sidonie Rakotoarison scored his side’s opening try. José Harison Rakoto slotted consecutive penalties to stretch the lead to 11-5. Just before the break Zambia came back through a try by Innocent Sakala
Early in the second half Ibrahim Randrianiain scored Madagascar’s second try which also opened the floodgates. Three minutes later Nirina Bayard Jacquis scored after a brilliant individual try to take the score to 25-8. Another two quick scores took Madagascar’s lead to 39-8; Zambia though refused to give up and Edwin Zulu scored the visitors second try of the match. Rakoto put the cap on a great performance by last year’s Africa Cup’s losing finalists with a late try, Zambia responded with a consolation try which took the final score to 59 – 18. Madagascar’s seven tries, six conversions and four penalties a clear sign they will again be in contention for the Cup later this year.
The final match in this pool is this weekend when Zambia host Zimbabwe in Lusaka.