Madagascar became the first team to qualify in their maiden African cup of the nations (Afcon) slated for next year in Yaounde, Cameroon.
Madagascar, best known as Barea, beat Equatorial Guinea 1 - 0 at Vontovorona on Tuesday night, to qualify for the first time to the Afcon competition.
Njiva Rakotoharimalala scored the lone goal; that saw the hosts command Group A with 10 points same as Senegal who also qualified in the Group A.
Madagascar is joined by Egypt, Tunisia, Senegal, and the hosts; Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, in the newly expanded 24 teams final to be played in 2019.
Neighbors Uganda, are a point away to Yaounde as Tanzania and Burundi keep hopes alive
With two rounds of matches to be played, Kenya's rivals Uganda Cranes (with 10 points) need just a point to qualify in Group L after 2 - 0 away win against Lesotho, thanks to Farouk Miya brace. Despite missing a penalty, Tanzania revived their hope with 2 - 0 victory over Cape Verde.
The Taifa Stars has 5 points while Cape Verde has 4 points and Lesotho sits at the bottom with 2 points.
Highlights on the other groups after 4 matches
Having qualified on the merit of hosting the tourney, Cameroon (8) leads Group B as Morocco (7) are second and favorite to qualify from the group.
Mali blew their chances and left Group C open after they were held by Burundi in 1 - 1 stalemate, as Gabon, despite of missing the services of Arsenal striker Aubameyang picked 3 points away against South Sudan with a 1 - 0 win.
As it stands the three teams can qualify as Mali has 8 points, Gabon (7), and Burundi (6).