By Nabakiibi Doreen Malaika
Madagascar’s national football team, famously known as the Barea, has taken African football by storm with their unprecedented run to the final of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024. This marks their second appearance in a CHAN medal bracket, achieved through a series of impressive performances that have exceeded expectations and captured the hearts of football fans across the continent.
For starters,the Barea on debut in 2022 finished with the bronze medal after edging Niger 1-0,having lost the semifinal to eventual champions Senegal.
What Explains This Leap in Just Two Appearances?
- Grassroots Growth: Investment in youth academies and local leagues has created a new wave of talent.
- Tactical Discipline: The team is more organized, defending with purpose and breaking with speed.
- Unity & Spirit: They play with hunger, pride, and belief — never looking intimidated by big names.
- International Experience: A number of players sharpen their skills in Europe, contributing to the team’s success especially for the senior team from which the CHAN players copy a leaf.
Group Stage Performance
Placed in Group B alongside hosts Tanzania,Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and the Central African Republic, Madagascar displayed resilience, tactical discipline, and at times attacking flair to scrape through the group albeit on a +2 goal difference that gave it a one goal edge over close pursuers Mauritania.
Their performances ensured they earned qualification to the knockout stage after some ground-breaking displays.
Match Results:
The Barea started against Mauritania in a barren draw that Ugandans can only remember for being officiated by their own trip of Shamirah Nabadda,Ronald Katenya and Lucky Razak Kasalirwe.
The team’s next outing compounded further misery in a 2-1 loss to hosts Tanzania that however had the silver lining of that goal scored by Razafimahatana that may have eventually contributed the difference on the table standing to earn progress.
From the Tanzania loss, Madagascar knew that it had only “finals” and must wins if they are first to progress out of the group and seek history.
A late 2-0 victory over Central Africa Republic courtesy of 84th and 90+4 minute goals by Tokyo Rakotondraibe and Lalaina Rafanomezantosa in the next game brought delight to the island nation that needed to be at Burkina Faso to seal a place in the quarter finals, something they did with ease in a 2-1 victory.
Knockout Stage
- Quarter-Final: Madagascar vs. Kenya: The match ended 1–1 after extra time, but the Barea triumphed 4–3 in a penalty shootout, with Toky Rakotondraibe converting the decisive penalty to book their semi-final spot.
- Semi-Final: Madagascar vs. Sudan: Madagascar secured a spot in the CHAN 2024 final by beating Sudan 1–0 in a dramatic semi-final match at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. The winning goal was scored by Toky Nania Rakotondraibe in the 116th minute of extra time.
Madagascar’s Full CHAN 2024 Journey Timeline
- Group Stage:
- Madagascar 2–0 Central African Republic → Win
- Madagascar 2–1 Burkina Faso → Win
- Madagascar 1–1 Mauritania → Draw
- Quarter-Final: Madagascar 1–1 Kenya (4–3 on penalties) → Win
- Semi-Final: Madagascar 1–0 Sudan → Win
- Final: Madagascar vs. Morocco → Saturday, 30th August 2025, at Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya
Final: Madagascar vs. Morocco
The CHAN 2024 final is scheduled for Saturday, 30th August 2025, at Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya. Madagascar will face Morocco, who reached the final after a dramatic 1–1 draw against Senegal, winning 5–3 on penalties.
Key Players to Watch
- Toky Rakotondraibe – The forward has been the heart of Madagascar’s attack, scoring decisive goals in the quarter-final, semi-final, and key moments throughout the tournament.
- Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa – The creative midfielder has orchestrated Madagascar’s play, contributing goals and assists at crucial moments.
- Nicolas – The midfield engine of the team, known for his tireless work rate, defensive discipline, and ability to control the tempo of the game.
The Role of Madagascar’s Domestic League
The Coca-Cola Pureplay Football League has played a pivotal role in Madagascar’s football development. It provides a platform for local talent to shine and gain competitive experience. Clubs like CNaPS Sport and Elgeco Plus Alfa have been instrumental in nurturing talent, contributing significantly to the national team’s success.
Impact of Domestic League on National Team
The domestic league’s structure and competitiveness have directly influenced the national team’s performance. Key benefits include:
- Talent Development: The league provides a platform for young players to develop their skills and gain experience.
- Competitive Experience: Regular competition prepares players for high-pressure situations, enhancing their ability to perform under stress.
- Team Cohesion: Players from the same league often form the backbone of the national team, fostering team chemistry and cohesion.
Ahmad Ahmad’s Impact on Malagasy Football
Ahmad Ahmad, a Malagasy football administrator, served as the 6th President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) from 2017 to 2021. During his tenure, he:
- Emphasized transparency and good governance in African football.
- Promoted the development of football infrastructure across the continent.
- Supported the growth of women’s football and youth development programs.
- Fostered partnerships with international football organizations to promote African football globally.
Looking Ahead
Madagascar’s journey to the CHAN 2024 final is a story of determination, strategy, and national pride. From underdogs in the group stage to finalists, the Barea have inspired millions. As they prepare to face Morocco, Madagascar aims to make history and claim their first-ever CHAN title, further cementing their place on the African football map.
Of course the Atlas Lions come into this as favorites having won it twice and being Morocco as usually is.
But who said favorites always win?
Few African football tournaments have fairytale endings,but Madagascar can borrow from CHAN 2014 when out of no where,Libya dethroned the continent after edging Ghana 4-3 on post match penalties following a scoreless 120 minutes.
Globally,stories of minnows edging others like at EURO 92 and Euro 2004 will help inspire Madagascar that must also pray that the Kenyan crowd, that is facing a double -poisoned chalice, rally behind them (this will speak a lot).
Should the Kenyans support fellow group members to carry forward the ‘group of death’ tag or go for the minnows that dethroned them in mysterious circumstances at the quarter final stage?
We wait to see,but all in all,it will be a worthy final that echoes exactly what this Pamoja chan has been; UNPREDICTABILITY
