Madagascar vs Burundi Predictions

Burundi were edged out 1-0 by Nigeria in their first ever Africa Cup of Nations game, but will they build on a decent display? They managed to not just withstand pressure from one of the tournament favourites, but they caused plenty of problems for Nigeria in the game. Their hopes of making the next round are likely to rest on this game, as they go head to head with fellow debutants Madagascar on Thursday.

Madagascar had a better start in their first ever Africa Cup of Nations clash, as they drew 2-2 with Guinea in an entertaining game. They came from behind to lead in the game, only to concede a second-half equaliser. That result has left them in the mix for the next round, with the two newcomers set to fight it out with Guinea to move into the last 16.

Burundi are seen as outsiders in this tournament, but they’ve built their way towards the finals. Their first appearance has come not down to some golden generation, they’ve put together a team with a positive style of play. They like to keep the ball and carve out openings going forward, which very nearly worked out for them in their clash with Nigeria at the weekend. One defeat won’t shake their faith in that approach, so we expect them to take the game to Madagascar in this tie.

There should be chances for Burundi to score their first goal at this tournament, Saido Berahino might even find a way to find the net. Madagascar have issues at the back, as shown in the two goals they shipped at the weekend. Before the tournament, they had lost four of their last five games, with the only draw coming in a 3-3 thriller against Luxembourg.

Of course, Madagascar have scored six times in their last four games, which shows their talents as an attacking force. They are meeting a Burundi side who have conceded in their last six games, while Burundi have also seen both teams score in five of those six. We expect goals when these two vulnerable defences meet as both sides desperately chase a win. Both teams to score is our pick given how this one is shaping up.