2024 CHAN Chronicles: Team Profile: Madagascar

Dismas Otuke
3 Min Read

Madagascar, also known as the Barea, returns to the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) for a 2nd time in a row since their debut in 2022.

The Barea hope to improve on their bronze medal result from three years ago, led by Romuald Rakotondrabe’s tactical expertise.

They are a formidable opponent because of their quick, offensive style and well-organised defence.

Madagascar comes into the tournament with a clear goal: to advance to the final and improve their standing in African football. They have a well-rounded team that includes both seasoned leaders and bright young players.

Madagascar has a blend of youthful talent and a fast, technical playing style.

Madagascar’s Group B opening against Mauritania is set for August 3rd at the recently renovated Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.

Qualification

Madagascar defeated Eswatini in a strong performance to guarantee their place at CHAN 2024.

The Barea won the first game 2-0 at home, and even though they lost the second leg by a slim margin of 1-0, they advanced on aggregate to secure their spot in 8th edition of CHAN tournament.

Key players

John Christiano Razafimanana (Forward, Ajesaia Fenohasina):

The 23-year-old forward scored in Madagascar’s pivotal first-leg victory over Eswatini, solidifying the team’s qualification campaign.

Razafimanana is renowned for his clinical finishing, positional knowledge, and lightning fast speed,making him a contunual menace to  opposition defences.

Coach :Romuald Rakotondrabe:

Rakotondrabe, also known by his nickname “Rôro,” is a brilliant tactician whose philosophy promotes offensive, fluid football.

He has transformed Madagascar into a cohesive unit capable of competing against Africa’s best.

He has established himself as one of the continent’s up-and-coming coaching minds thanks to his tactical discipline and capacity to develop new talent.

Under his leadership, Madagascar hopes to improve on its 2022 third-place result and contend for the top honour.

Fact File

Nickname: The Barea

Participations: 2 (2022, 2024)

FIFA Ranking: 115

Group: B:Madagascar, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, The Central African Republic

Best Performance: Third place (2022)

Coach: Romuald Rakotondrabe

Catch All the 44 Matches live and excusively on KBC Channel 1.

Share This Article