Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
Benin will look to climb to top position in Group J when they take on Madagascar in a highly-anticipated World Cup qualifier. Benin aim to bounce back from a 1-0 loss to Tanzania, and, one thing is for sure, they are going to leave their hearts on the field in what could be crucial game for the hosts. A man to watch in the home team will be Brest attacker Steve Mounie, who has been scoring goals for fun in the Ligue 1 of late.
Madagascar, on the other hand, recorded their first win of the process against D.R. Congo, with the team keeping their qualification hopes alive. Anyhow, home win should be considered as the Barea are not regarded as good travelers. When the two teams met at Stade Municipal de Mahamasina Benin defeated Madagascar thanks to Steve Mounie’s goal.
Highlighted Player (Steve Mounié):
Steve Mounie is a Beninese footballer who plays for Huddersfield Town as a striker. Mounie is a product of Montpellier youth academy and, as a result, he was given a chance to prove his worth in the blue and orange shirt in Ligue 1 at senior level.
After scoring 14 goals in 37 appearances for la Paillade in the French elite division, the 190-cm-tall attacker moved to Huddersfield Town in 2017, but it has to be noted that he spent the 2015/2016 season at Nimes as a loan player. Steve Mounie signed a four-year deal with the Terriers and he made his competitive debut for the club on August 12, 2017, scoring a brace in a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.
The attacker who was born in Parakou (Benin) on September 29, 1994 will represent the Benin national team at the 2019 Africa Cup of nations. Mounie scored his first ever goal for the national team in a 2-1 win over South Sudan in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Highlighted Team (Madagascar):
Nicknamed the Barea, Madagascar are the African national team that affiliates to CAF (Confederation of African Football). Madagascar made their debut on the international stage in 1947, with the team suffering a 2-1 loss to Mauritius in front of home fans.
The Barea wear green shirts and green shorts when playing at home, whilst their away colours are red and white. Madagascar have never participate at the FIFA World Cup finals, but in 2019 they qualified for their first ever Africa Cup of Nations.
The Barea were grouped with the likes of Nigeria, Burundi and Guinea, with the team making their debut at the tournament against the National Elephants. Speaking of Madagascar’s titles, the Barea did well to win two Indian Ocean Island Games (1990, 1993), with the team beating the likes of Mauritius and Reunion in the title games respectively. Madagascar are affiliated to both CAF (confederation) and COSAFA (sub-confederation).