Madagascar qualify for Afcon finals for the first time ever

On Tuesday Madagascar beat Equatorial Guinea 1-0 to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals

Midfielder Njiva Rakotoharimalala scored in the first half to earn Madagascar a home victory and clinch their historical qualification for the 2019 .

The Indian Ocean Islanders also became the first team to qualify for the 2019 tournament apart from hosts .

Now with 10 points on top of Group A, Madagascar are guaranteed a berth in Cameroon even if they lose their remaining two matches.

The 2-2 draw with at home last month was a statement of intent by the Malagasy who also beat Equatorial Guinea 1-0 away last Saturday.

If Senegal beat Sudan away later on Tuesday, they will join Madagascar for a spot in Cameroon and render Group A closed business, with the remaining two rounds of matches becoming dead rubbers.