Madagascar U23 national football squad for Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Digi Mart USA News: Madagascar’s 23-man squad for the second preliminary round of U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers has been announced. The list was unveiled at the weekend by manager Harijaona Solonirina and head coach Boualem Mankour, less than a week before the matches.
The squad is built around fourteen home-based players and nine expatriates. Five of the expatriates play in France, while the others compete in Belgium, Portugal, the United Arab Emirates and Seychelles.
The Africa Cup of Nations U23 tournament is scheduled for Egypt in 2027, and it will also serve as a qualifying tournament for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Following the withdrawal of Comoros from the first qualifying round, Madagascar will face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the second round. Because Madagascar lacks an approved stadium, both matches will be played in South Africa at the Tshwane Lucas Moripe Stadium.
The first leg is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at 6 p.m. Madagascar time, and the return leg for Tuesday, November 17, at 11 p.m.
Madagascar time.
The home-based players have been training since mid-September under coach Herimanitra Rabeharisoa, known as “Hery Be,” and his staff. Mankour and his assistant, Johan Paul, a former Barea captain, traveled to Madagascar for about two weeks to lead preparations, assess the squad and refine the selection.
The period included at least five evaluation test matches. The coaches had followed the players closely for years and already had a preliminary list.
The expatriate delegation will fly to South Africa on Tuesday evening, while the local players will join them on Wednesday.
Squad list:
1 – Cladec Laguesse Christopher (ESTAC Troyes, France)
4 – Mandaniaina Rafelambolatiana (Elgeco Plus, Madagascar)
5 – Gaetan Rasolofoson (AS Sainte-Anne, Madagascar)
8 – Larry Randrianasolo (Versailles FC, France)
10 – Noah Grégoire (Voltigeurs Châteaubriant, France)
12 – Navalona Ramahazomanana (Rimal Al Sahra, Dubai)
13 – Tanjonirina Rakotondrabe (Elgeco Plus, Madagascar)
16 – Tafitasoa Ranivoarisoa (FC Rouge, Madagascar)
17 – Marco Raveloarison (Wagner FC, Madagascar)
19 – Christiano Razafinimanana (CFFA, Madagascar)
20 – Maminiaina Notahianiavo (CFFA, Madagascar)
23 – Massinga Ranaivoson (Bazar Brothers, Seychelles)
