Madagascar national football team

The Madagascar national football team, nicknamed Barea after the island's zebu,[3] is the national team of Madagascar and is controlled by the Malagasy Football Federation. It has never qualified for the finals of the World Cup. It took part in its first Africa Cup of Nations in 2019. Among its biggest wins was a 1–0 home victory over Egypt in the qualification rounds of the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations until being surpassed by a recent 2–0 win over Nigeria in the group stage of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Reflecting the official name of the country at the time, the team was known as the Malagasy Republic national football team between 1958 and 1975.

Madagascar
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Barea
AssociationFédération Malagasy de Football
ConfederationCAF (Africa)
Sub-confederationCOSAFA
(Southern Africa)
Head coachRomuald Rakotondrabe
CaptainIbrahim Amada
Most capsPaulin Voavy (67)
Top scorerPaulin Voavy (15)
Home stadiumMahamasina Stadium
Rabemananjara Stadium
FIFA codeMAD
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 109 Decrease 1 (24 October 2024)[1]
Highest74 (December 1992)
Lowest190 (March 2014)
First international
Madagascar 1–2 Mauritius 
(Madagascar; Date Unknown 1947)
Biggest win
 Madagascar 8–1 Congo 
(Antananarivo, Madagascar; 19 April 1960)
Biggest defeat
 Mauritius 7–0 Madagascar
(Réunion; 31 July 1952)
 Congo-Léopoldville 7–0 Madagascar 
(Congo; 18 July 1965)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances1 (first in 2019)
Best resultQuarter-finals (2019)
African Nations Championship
Appearances1 (first in 2022)
Best resultThird place (2022)
COSAFA Cup
Appearances12 (first in 2002)
Best resultThird place (2015)

History

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Madagascar made its debut in 1947 in a home match against Mauritius which was lost 2–1. The game was part of a Triangulaire tournament between Madagascar, Mauritius and Reunion. Madagascar's second match was at home to Reunion and saw their first ever win, 4–2. The triangular tournament was staged every year until 1958, and Madagascar's highest-scoring game was on 13 July 1953 when they beat Reunion 6–4 at home. Their worst loss was on 31 July 1952 when they lost 7–0 to Mauritius in Reunion.

Madagascar played against opposition different from Mauritius or Reunion for the first time in 1960, as part of a tournament between French-speaking nations held on the island. In their first match on 15 April 1960 they beat the Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso) 6–1. The second game was a quarter-final against France's amateur side on 17 April and was lost 2–1. On 19 April Madagascar beat the Congo 8–1 in the third-place play-off.

In April 1963, Madagascar entered another competition for French-speaking countries, this time in Senegal, and was placed in a group with Dahomey (now Benin), Liberia and Chad. They opened with a 1–0 win over Dahomey on 11 April, and then beat Chad 2–1 on 13 April and Liberia 3–1 on 15 April. In the semi-finals, Madagascar were beaten 2–1 by Tunisia on 19 April, and then lost 4–1 to France's amateur team in the third-place play-off on 21 April.

In September 1963 the Triangulaire between Madagascar, Reunion and Mauritius was reinstated for the first time since 1958. On 15 September they beat Reunion 6–1 at home, and on 18 September drew 1–1 to Mauritius in a home game which was abandoned.[4]

On 16 October 2018, Madagascar qualified to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history, after they won 1–0 against Equatorial Guinea.[5][6] During their debut match against Guinea on 22 June 2019,[7] Anicet Abel scored Madagascar's first-ever AFCON goal and secured their first point of the competition with a 2–2 draw against Guinea.[8][9] The team defeated Burundi in their second match[10] and followed it up with a 2–0 victory over the Super Eagles of Nigeria to top Group B.[11][12] Then Madagascar advanced to quarter-finals after beating DR Congo in the round of 16.[13] The team's successful performance was coined by pundits as the Iceland of Africa, resembling the shockingly successful debut of Iceland in UEFA Euro 2016.[14] However, Madagascar's dream ended abruptly after suffering a 0–3 defeat at the hand of another former champion, Tunisia.[15]

Results and fixtures

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The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2023

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17 November 2026 World Cup Qualification Ghana   1–0   Madagascar Kumasi, Ghana
16:00 UTC±0
  • Williams   90+6'
Report Stadium: Baba Yara Stadium
Attendance: 45,000
Referee: Samir Guezzaz (Morocco)
20 November 2026 World Cup Qualification Chad   0–3   Madagascar Oujda, Morocco
20:00 UTC+1 Report
Stadium: Stade municipal d'Oujda
Attendance: 3,000
Referee: Tewodros Mitiku (Ethiopia)

2024

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7 June 2026 World Cup Qualification Madagascar   2–1   Comoros Johannesburg, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2
Report
Stadium: FNB Stadium
Referee: Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo (DR Congo)
11 June 2026 World Cup Qualification Madagascar   0–0   Mali Johannesburg, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2 Report Stadium: FNB Stadium
Referee: Patrice Tanguy Mebiame (Gabon)
5 September 2025 AFCON qualification Tunisia   1–0   Madagascar Tunis, Tunisia
20:00 UTC+1
Report Stadium: Hammadi Agrebi Stadium
Referee: Jean-Jacques Ndala (RD Congo)
9 September 2025 AFCON qualification Madagascar   1–1   Comoros Tunis, Tunisia
16:00 UTC+1 Report
Stadium: Hammadi Agrebi Stadium
Referee: Patrice Mebiame (Gabon)

2025

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Coaching history

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Coaching staff

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Head coach   Romuald Rakotondrabe
Assistant coaches   Andry Razakandrianaina
  Hervé Andrianasimbola
Goalkeeping coach   Nirina Rakotobololona
Fitness coach   Michel Rajaonarinantenaina
Match analyst   Flavien Andriamanomenjanahary
Performance coach   Alphonse Rakotomanatsinoro
Team doctors   Dr. Stéphane Rajaonaribololona
  Dr. Hugo Rakotomalalanantenaina
Physiotherapists   Gaël Njivarabesananteinaina
  Christophe Rakotonantenaina
  Philippe Ravelonomenjanahary
  Razakaniaina Andriarakotobololona
Team coordinator   Faneva Andriatsima
Technical director   Éric Rabésandratana

Players

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Current squad

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The following players were called up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches against Gambia on 11 and 14 October 2024.[19]

Caps and goals updated after the match against   Comoros on 9 Septembre 2024.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Téva Gardies (2001-04-01) 1 April 2001 (age 23) 1 0   Paris
16 1GK Zakanirina Rakotoasimbola (1999-10-14) 14 October 1999 (age 25) 18 0   ASSM Elgeco Plus
23 1GK Sonny Laiton (2000-01-28) 28 January 2000 (age 24) 5 0   Auxerre

12 2DF Thierno Millimono (2002-08-16) 16 August 2002 (age 22) 2 0   US Mondorf-les-Bains
2DF Kenji-Van Boto (1996-03-07) 7 March 1996 (age 28) 11 0   Pau
20 2DF Louis Démoléon (1997-04-16) 16 April 1997 (age 27) 7 0   Budoni
25 2DF Soloniaina Rajo Nirina Razafindraibeharimihanta (1997-03-23) 23 March 1997 (age 27) 29 0   Saint-Denis
21 2DF Thomas Fontaine (1991-05-08) 8 May 1991 (age 33) 32 1   Sochaux
2DF Davidson Gueguen (2004-09-24) 24 September 2004 (age 20) 0 0   Villefranche Saint-Jean Beaulieu FC
12 2DF Radoniaina Rabemanantsoa (1997-12-17) 17 December 1997 (age 26) 10 0   ASSM Elgeco Plus
18 2DF Sandro Trémoulet (1999-11-18) 18 November 1999 (age 25) 0 0   Seraing

3MF Johan N'Zi (1993-01-23) 23 January 1993 (age 31) 2 0   Lokomotiv Plovdiv
7 3MF Rayan Raveloson (1997-01-16) 16 January 1997 (age 27) 35 6   Auxerre
15 3MF Ibrahim Amada (captain) (1990-02-28) 28 February 1990 (age 34) 44 3   Ratchaburi
5 3MF Rojo Andriamanjato (1992-08-11) 11 August 1992 (age 32) 27 1   Saint-Pauloise
17 3MF Clément Couturier (1993-09-13) 13 September 1993 (age 31) 4 0   FC Villefranche Beaujolais
13 3MF Marco Ilaimaharitra (1995-07-26) 26 July 1995 (age 29) 25 3   Charleroi

11 4FW El Hadari Raheriniaina (2006-08-19) 19 August 2006 (age 18) 12 2   St Michel United FC
4FW Loïc Lapoussin (1996-03-27) 27 March 1996 (age 28) 21 1   Union SG
8 4FW Arnaud Randrianantenaina (2001-01-03) 3 January 2001 (age 23) 17 2   El Gouna
4FW Nicolas Fontaine (2000-02-07) 7 February 2000 (age 24) 0 0   RAAL La Louvière
4FW Warren Caddy (1997-04-09) 9 April 1997 (age 27) 3 0   Lausanne Ouchy
2 4FW Carolus Andriamahitsinoro (1989-07-06) 6 July 1989 (age 35) 49 12   Al-Kawkab
19 4FW Tendry Randrianarijaona (1998-03-19) 19 March 1998 (age 26) 24 4   Disciples
10 4FW Njiva Rakotoharimalala (1992-08-06) 6 August 1992 (age 32) 50 14   Ratchaburi

Recent call-ups

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The following players have been called up for Madagascar in the last year.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Allan Rakotovazaha (1999-10-03) 3 October 1999 (age 25) 0 0   US Créteil (res) v.   Chad, 20 November 2023
GK Melvin Adrien (1993-08-30) 30 August 1993 (age 31) 27 0   Thonon Evian v.   Chad, 20 November 2023
GK Mathyas Randriamamy (2003-04-23) 23 April 2003 (age 21) 2 0   Ermis Aradippou v.   Ghana, 17 November 2023

DF Tantely Randrianiaina (1989-02-13) 13 February 1989 (age 35) 36 0   Disciples v.   Burundi, 22 March 2024
DF Fabien Boyer (1991-04-12) 12 April 1991 (age 33) 6 0   Saint-Pierroise v.   Mali, 10 June 2024
DF Tantely Rabarijaona (1995-02-17) 17 February 1995 (age 29) 19 0   CFFA v.   Burundi, 22 March 2024
DF Nomena Andriatiana (2000-02-06) 6 February 2000 (age 24) 0 0   Aubagne FC v.   Mali, 10 June 2024
DF Romain Métanire (1990-03-28) 28 March 1990 (age 34) 27 0   Spokane Velocity v.   Mali, 10 June 2024
DF Andriniaina Amourson (2000-01-06) 6 January 2000 (age 24) 0 0   Fosa Juniors v.   Burundi, 22 March 2024
DF Titouan Fortun (2004-01-28) 28 January 2004 (age 20) 6 0   Dijon FCO v.   Comoros, 9 September 2024
DF Tony Randriamanampisoa (1994-07-17) 17 July 1994 (age 30) 4 0   ASSM Elgeco Plus v.   Comoros, 9 September 2024
DF Robin Busset (2000-02-25) 25 February 2000 (age 24) 0 0   Nyon v.   Burundi, 22 March 2024

MF Tsiry Randriatsiferana (1996-08-05) 5 August 1996 (age 28) 27 6   Saint-Pauloise v.   Comoros, 9 September 2024
MF Ando Manoelantsoa (1991-04-06) 6 April 1991 (age 33) 16 0   Saint-Pierroise v.   Mali, 10 June 2024
MF Andy Rakotondrajoa (2003-07-24) 24 July 2003 (age 21) 6 0   Disciples v.   Comoros, 9 September 2024
MF Lalaïna Rafanomezantsoa (1998-03-10) 10 March 1998 (age 26) 19 1   CFFA v.   Burundi, 22 March 2024
MF Pierre-Michael Rakotoarisoa (1996-03-27) 27 March 1996 (age 28) 7 0   Fosa Juniors v.   Burundi, 22 March 2024
MF Baggio Rakotoharisoa (1996-01-24) 24 January 1996 (age 28) 21 0   Jeanne d'Arc v.   Burundi, 22 March 2024

FW Hakim Abdallah (1998-01-09) 9 January 1998 (age 26) 14 1   Dinamo București v.   Mali, 10 June 2024
FW Angelo Andrianantenaina (1996-08-05) 5 August 1996 (age 28) 1 0   AS Excelsior v.   Mali, 10 June 2024
FW Dorian Bertrand (1993-05-21) 21 May 1993 (age 31) 8 2   Saint-Denis v.   Chad, 20 November 2023
FW Jean-Yves Razafindrakoto (1997-08-16) 16 August 1997 (age 27) 12 3   ASSM Elgeco Plus v.   Burundi, 22 March 2024
FW Julien Pontgerard (1997-05-04) 4 May 1997 (age 27) 0 0   AS Brestois v.   Mali, 10 June 2024

  • DEC Player refused to join the team after the call-up.
  • INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury.
  • PRE Preliminary squad.
  • RET Player has retired from international football.
  • SUS Suspended from the national team.

Records

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As of 11 June 2024.[20]
Players in bold are still active with Madagascar.

Most appearances

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Paulin Voavy is Madagascar's top goalscorer and their most capped player.
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Paulin Voavy 67 15 2007–present
2 Mamisoa Razafindrakoto 63 0 1998–2011
3 Gervais Randrianarisoa 52 0 2005–2022
4 Njiva Rakotoharimalala 50 14 2014–present
5 Jimmy Radafison 49 0 2000–2011
Carolus Andriamatsinoro 49 12 2009–present
7 Faneva Imà Andriatsima 47 14 2003–2019
Lalaina Nomenjanahary 47 5 2006–2021
Eric-Julien Rakotondrabe 47 0 1999–2011
10 Ibrahim Amada 44 3 2008–present

Top goalscorers

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Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Paulin Voavy 15 67 0.22 2007–present
2 Faneva Imà Andriatsima 14 47 0.3 2005–2019
Njiva Rakotoharimalala 14 50 0.28 2014–present
4 Carolus Andriamatsinoro 12 49 0.24 2009–present
5 Harry Randrianaivo 11 21 0.52 1990–2003
6 Ruphin Menakely 10 25 0.4 1998–2003
7 Sarivahy Vombola 8 30 0.27 2011–2017
Rado Rasoanaivo 8 40 0.2 1992–2003
9 Tsiry Randriatsiferana 6 27 0.22 2022–present
Rayan Raveloson 6 33 0.18 2019–present

Competitive record

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FIFA World Cup

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FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA GR
1930 to 1958 Part of   France Part of   France
as   Malagasy Republic as   Malagasy Republic
  1962 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
1966 and 1970 Did not enter Did not enter
  1974 Withdrew Withdrew
as   Madagascar as   Madagascar
  1978 Did not enter Did not enter
  1982 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 3 4 details
  1986 2 1 0 1 1 1 details
  1990 Did not enter Did not enter
  1994 Did not qualify 4 3 0 1 7 3 details
  1998 2 0 1 1 3 4 details
    2002 10 3 0 7 7 16 details
  2006 2 0 1 1 3 4 details
  2010 8 3 3 2 12 9 details
  2014 2 1 0 1 2 3 details
  2018 4 1 2 1 7 7 details
  2022 6 1 1 4 4 9 details
      2026 To be determined 4 2 1 1 5 2 details
      2030 To be determined details
  2034 details
Total 0/15 46 15 10 21 51 62

Africa Cup of Nations

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Africa Cup of Nations record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D* L GF GA GR
  1957 Part of   France Part of   France
  1959
  1962 Not affiliated to CAF Not affiliated to CAF
  1963
  1965 Did not enter Did not enter
  1968
  1970
  1972 Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 3 5 details
  1974 2 1 0 1 3 4 details
  1976 Withdrew Withdrew
  1978 Did not enter Did not enter
  1980 Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 3 6 details
  1982 4 2 1 1 4 7 details
  1984 4 1 1 2 3 4 details
  1986 2 0 0 2 2 6 details
  1988 2 1 0 1 2 3 details
  1990 Withdrew Withdrew
  1992 Did not qualify 5 2 2 1 3 2 details
  1994 Did not enter Did not enter
  1996 Withdrew during qualifiers Withdrew during qualifiers
  1998 Banned for withdrawal in 1996 Banned for withdrawal in 1996
    2000 Did not qualify 8 2 3 3 9 12 details
  2002 8 2 2 4 7 8 details
  2004 4 2 0 2 2 8 details
  2006 2 0 1 1 3 4 details
  2008 4 0 0 4 0 14 details
  2010 8 3 3 2 12 9 details
  2012 6 0 1 5 4 14 details
  2013 2 0 0 2 1 7 details
  2015 2 1 0 1 2 2 details
  2017 6 0 3 3 5 12 details
  2019 Quarter-finals 6th 5 2 2 1 7 7 8 5 1 2 12 10 details
  2021 Did not qualify 6 2 2 2 9 9 details
  2023 6 0 3 3 1 9 details
  2025 To be determined To be determined
      2027
  2029
Total Quarter-finals 1/34 5 2 2 1 7 7 93 26 23 44 90 155

African Nations Championship

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African Nations Championship record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D* L GF GA GR
  2009 Did not enter Did not enter
  2011 Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 0 2 Details
  2014 Did not enter Did not enter
  2016
  2018 Did not qualify 6 3 2 1 6 3 Details
  2020 4 2 0 2 4 5 Details
  2022 Third place 3rd 5 4 0 1 9 3 4 3 1 0 6 1 Details
Total Third place 1/7 5 4 0 1 9 3 16 9 3 4 16 11

African Games

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African Games record Qualification record
Year Result Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA GR
  1965 8th 3 0 0 3 0 13 2 1 0 1 6 3 details
  1973 Withdrew Withdrew
  1978
  1987 6th 3 1 0 2 4 5 2 1 0 1 3 3 details
  1991 to   2015 U-23 Tournament U-23 Tournament
  2019 – present U-20 Tournament U-20 Tournament
Total 2/4 6 1 0 5 4 18 4 2 0 2 9 6

Indian Ocean Island Games

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Indian Ocean Island Games record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
  1979 Did not enter
  1985 Fourth place 4th 2 1 0 1 2 3
  1990 Champions 1st 4 3 1 0 12 1
  1993 Champions 1st 4 4 0 0 10 2
  1998 Runners-up 2nd 4 3 1 0 10 3
  2003 Group stage 5th 2 0 1 1 2 4
  2007 Runners-up 2nd 4 2 2 0 7 0
  2011 Group stage 7th 2 0 1 1 2 3
  2015 Fourth place 4th 5 1 1 3 6 8
  2019 Group stage 5th 2 0 2 0 2 2
  2023 Champions 1st 4 3 1 0 7 3
Total 3 Titles 10/11 33 17 10 6 60 29

COSAFA Cup

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COSAFA Cup record
Year Round Result Pld W D L GF GA
2000 Excluded
2001
2002 Quarter-finals 5th 2 1 1 0 3 2
2003 Quarter-finals 7th 2 1 0 1 2 3
2004 Round 1 11th 1 0 0 1 0 2
2005 Round 1 10th 1 0 0 1 0 2
2006 Round 1 13th 2 0 0 2 0 4
2007 Round 1 8th 2 1 0 1 5 1
  2008 Fourth place 4th 6 2 2 2 6 7
  2009 Did not enter
  2013
  2015 Third place 3rd 6 4 1 1 11 7
  2016 Group stage 11th 3 1 1 1 1 1
  2017 Group stage 9th 3 2 1 0 6 1
  2018 Fourth place 4th 6 2 2 2 4 4
  2019 Did not enter
  2021 Did not enter
  2022 Quarter-finals 5th 2 0 0 2 4 1
  2023 Did not enter
Total Third place 12/22 36 14 8 14 42 35

Honours

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Continental

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Regional

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References

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  1. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 24 October 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  2. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 20 November 2024. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
  3. ^ Clarel Faniry Rasoanaivo (10 July 2019). "Madagascans elated by AFCON success, eye semi-finals". Reuters. Archived from the original on 10 July 2019. Retrieved 10 July 2019.
  4. ^ Courtney, Barrie. "Madagascar – List of International Matches". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Archived from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  5. ^ "Africa Cup of Nations: Egypt, Tunisia, Senegal, Madagascar qualify for the finals". BBC. 16 October 2018. Archived from the original on 19 October 2018. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  6. ^ "Madagascar reaches first African Cup, Egypt also qualifies". The Washington Post. 16 October 2018.[dead link]
  7. ^ "CAFOnline.com". Archived from the original on 24 June 2019. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  8. ^ "Business & Financial News, U.S & International Breaking News | Reuters". www.reuters.com. Archived from the original on 13 August 2019. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  9. ^ "Madagascar earn draw in Afcon debut". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 8 November 2020. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  10. ^ "Afcon 2019: Burundi won't lose hope after Madagascar defeat, says coach Olivier Niyungeko | Goal.com". www.goal.com. Archived from the original on 18 August 2020. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  11. ^ "Madagascar Stun Nigeria, 2-0, As Debutantes Win AFCON Group B". beIN SPORTS USA. Archived from the original on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  12. ^ "Africa Cup of Nations 2019: The surprise package from Madagascar". Deutsche Welle. 1 July 2019. Archived from the original on 14 February 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  13. ^ "Africa Cup of Nations 2019: Madagascar stun DR Congo, Algeria ease through". Deutsche Welle. 7 July 2019. Archived from the original on 2 November 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  14. ^ Sharuko, Robson (10 July 2019). "Africa: Madagascar's French Armada Reminds Warriors of the British Brigade We Missed". allAfrica.com. Archived from the original on 11 July 2019. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  15. ^ "Madagascar 0-3 Tunisia: As it happened". 11 July 2019. Archived from the original on 23 June 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  16. ^ FIFA.com
  17. ^ FIFA.com
  18. ^ FIFA.com
  19. ^ "Liste des Barea". Instagram. Fédération Malagasy de Football.
  20. ^ Mamrud, Roberto. "Madagascar - Record International Players". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 9 December 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
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