Fifteen years ago, the Greek national team did the unbelievable when they won the European Championship, Euro 2004.
They defied all odds including beating the hosts Portugal en route to what was tagged one of the biggest shocks in football history by the BBC.
“The Greeks made it a double over Portugal after beating them 2-1 in the opening game of the tournament.
“And few could begrudge them their joy after they also beat holders France and the free-scoring Czech Republic,” the BBC report said.
Roll on the years, Africa’s biggest showpiece the African Cup of Nations, AFCON 2019, has produced a side that was on the upward trajectory, the Barea of Madagascar.
Malagasy President, Andry Rajoelina, who was in the stands in their round-of-16 game against the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, said after the game that the team was destined to win the trophy.
Though the Barea were eliminated from the tournament at the quarterfinals stage by the Tunisians, the players and management were given a heroic welcome upon arriving at Antananarivo.
They were also decorated with the highest national orders since this was their first appearance at the AFCON.
They topped Group B by defeating three-time champions Nigeria in the final group game. They had drawn against Guinea on the opening day before beating Burundi by a lone goal. Seven points and five goals secured them a top spot.
With the top spot, Barea had a date with DRC who had qualified as a third best-placed side in group A. Despite twice going ahead, the Congolese pegged them back. The Barea prevailed after extra time via series of expertly executed penalty kicks.
By Gyedu Isaac Kwaku
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