Madagascar vs Tunisia Predictions

Can Madagascar’s incredible run at the Africa Cup of Nations continue when they meet Tunisia this week? They are heading out in the final match from the final eight at this tournament, with both teams making surprising runs to the quarter-finals so far. One of the pair will secure a semi-final place, but can Madagascar add to their excellent form in their first-ever appearance at this tournament? Or will Tunisia make up for some disappointing World Cup displays with a victory in this game?

Madagascar weren’t being backed to survive their group at this tournament, despite being the first team to qualify. They were in amongst some tough opponents in Group B, but so far they’ve managed to punch above their weight in Egypt. With a consistent string of results behind them, Barea are certainly making waves. They’ve been the side to watch in the tournament, but just how far can their run go? Many neutrals will be enjoying this Madagascar run, they’ll be hoping it doesn’t come to an end here.

Tunisia went through the last 16 on penalties, edging out a Ghana side who were regular contenders in this competition. The Black Stars had made every semi-final since 2008, so Tunisia pulled off a big result there. However, now they need to step up their game in order to kick on and land a place in this weekend’s semis. That would be a solid return for a side who failed to really impress in the World Cup group stage 12 months ago.

It’s hard to separate these two sides, with both taking solid records into this clash. Madagascar qualified through brilliant attacking, but they’ve improved at the back to make themselves competitive here. They’ve needed big displays in defence to go unbeaten up to this point, while they’ll be hoping to lock things down as they start to feel the pressure of the last four looming.

Even under pressure, Madagascar are going to be a tough side to beat. That is especially true for Tunisia, who come into this clash without a victory at this tournament so far. They’ve drawn all four matches, which has been enough to bring them this far. It means they have failed to win any of their last five AFCON outings, so we’re backing them to struggle to claim the win in this one. With Madagascar drawing half of their tournament matches too, we think the draw is the best bet on this clash.