The Bareas are preparing for their next challenges. Friendly meetings with Burundi, Botswana and Rwanda are on the program during the Fifa Window in March.
Madagascar’s Barea’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers is in full swing. The Malagasy Football Federation announced that the national team will host Burundi, Botswana and Rwanda during the next FIFA window on March 18. These friendly meetings are crucial to refine the strategy and strengthen the team for future events. According to the president of the FMF, Alfred Randriamanampisoa, these teams were chosen to offer Barea quality preparation for the third and fourth days of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Despite their lower FIFA ranking, Burundi (140e), and Rwanda (133e) et and Botswana (146e) to that of Madagascar (109e), these teams present unique challenges that will help prepare the Bareas for upcoming matches. The friendly match takes place on Malagasy soil, giving local fans the opportunity to support their national team. The Barea are counting on the fervent support of their supporters to inspire and encourage them on this important day.
11 locals, 22 expatriates
At the same time, the team’s preparation for this FIFA window began with the publication of an expanded list of 33 pre-selected players. This roster includes both twelve locals and twenty-two expats, each bringing their own expertise and experience to the team. Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe called on experienced players as well as new talents to strengthen the team. The expanded list includes names such as Sonny Laiton from AJ Auxerre, Teva Gardies from Paris FC, Sayha Seha from Olympique de Marseille, Kenny Lala from Stade Brestois and thus the return of Carolus Andriamahitsinoro from Al Kawkab. However, some notable players are not included in the list, including Dax Andrianarimanana and Ibrahim Amada. The coach will still have to make difficult choices to establish the final list of players who will represent Madagascar during these friendly matches. In the meantime, Madagascar is impatiently awaiting the commercial proposal from major sports equipment brands to supply Barea’s outfits during the June matches. The national team is determined to bring honor to their country and its fans in the coming months, and hopes to achieve positive results in the upcoming challenges that await them.
Heriniaina Samson
List of 33 pre-selected players:
Goalkeepers: Zakanirina Rakotoasimbola (Elgeco Plus), Sonny Laiton (AJ Auxerre), Teva Gardies (Paris FC)
Defenses: Rado Rabemanantsoa (As Fanalamanga), Romain Métanire (Spokane Velocity), Kenny Lala (Stade Brestois 29), Louis Demoleon (Budoni Calcio), Berajo Razafindrabearimianta (St Denis FC), Tantely Randrianiaina (Disciple FC), Fabien Boyer (Js St Pierre ), Tony Randriamanampisoa (Elgeco Plus), Aurelien Amourson (Fosa Juniors), Tantely Rabarijaona (CFFA), Kenji Van Boto (PAU Fc), Robin Busset (Stade Nyonnais).
Millieux: Ando Manoelantsoa (Js St Pierre), Marco Ilaimaharitra (RCS Charleroi), Tiavina Rakotoarisoa (Fosa Juniors), Rayan Raveloson (AJ Auxerre), Andy Rakotondrajoa (Disciples FC), Clément Couturier (Swift Hesperange), Baggio Rakotoarisoa (Jeanne d’Arc ), Lalaina Rapomantsoa (CFFA), Rojolalaina Andriamanjato (St Paul).
Attackers: Loïc Lapoussin (Union St Gilloise), Sayha Seha (Olympique de Marseille B), Tsiry Randriatsiferana (ST Paul), Arnaud Randrianantenaina (El Gouna), Hakim Abdallah (Dinamo de Bucharest), Tendry Mataniah (Disciples FC), El Hadary Raheriniana ( St Michel United), Carolus Andriamahitsinoro (OHOD), Jean Yvon Razafindrakoto (Elgeco Plus).