President of Madagascar charters plane to Afcon game

The president of Madagascar has chartered a plane to fly fans to watch the first knock-out round of the Africa Cup of Nations ( Afcon) in Egypt.

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Tournament debutants Madagascar have been the surprise package of group stage, beating one of the favourites Nigeria to earn a tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Excitement has been building on the island since Sunday’s victory and President Andry Rajoelina is making a 480-seat plane available.

Read:AFCON 2019: Madagascar becomes first country to qualify for tournament

But… he’s not paying for it. Fans are being asked to stump up $600 (£480; €530) for the round trip and seats to the game.

Madagascar face a tough tie – they are ranked 108th in the world, to DR Congo’s 49th place.

Source: bbc.com