Latest news with #TheBarea
CAF
3 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Madagascar edge Burkina Faso to clinch quarter-final spot at CHAN 2024
Published: Saturday, 16 August 2025 Madagascar sealed a place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 with a tense 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso in Zanzibar on Saturday night. The result, coupled with a goalless draw between Central African Republic and Tanzania in Dar es Salaam, means Tanzania top Group B while Madagascar advance as runners-up. High drama in Zanzibar The Barea came into the match knowing only victory would be enough to prolong their stay in the tournament. They struck first through Fenohasina Razafimaro's stunning long-range effort in the seventh minute, setting the tone for a high-tempo encounter at the Amaan Stadium. Burkina Faso, playing purely for pride after their early elimination, responded strongly. Their persistence was rewarded midway through the first half when Souleymane Sangaré rose highest to head home Hanaby Sagne's cross and restore parity in the 25th minute. The contest remained finely balanced until the decisive moment arrived early in the second half. Madagascar won a penalty after Sagne's rash challenge in the box, and Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa kept his composure to convert from the spot in the 58th minute, firing high into the top corner. Burkina Faso fight but fall short From then on, Issa Balbone's Burkina Faso threw everything forward. Substitute Papus Ouattara and striker Yves Koutiama both forced sharp saves from Madagascar goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa, while Hanaby Sagne's late header flew agonisingly over the bar. Despite their dominance in the closing stages, the Stallions could not find a way through a resolute Malagasy defence marshalled by Tony Randriamanampisoa. Burkina Faso exit the competition with one win from four games, but not without showing grit and flashes of attacking quality. Madagascar's resilience rewarded For Madagascar, the result was a fitting climax to a turbulent group stage that began with a red card and a draw against Mauritania, followed by defeat to co-hosts Tanzania. Their revival began with a vital victory over the Central African Republic and was sealed with Saturday's battling performance. Group B verdict The simultaneous goalless draw between Tanzania and the Central African Republic in Dar es Salaam ensured Tanzania finish top of Group B with ten points. Madagascar progress as runners-up with seven points with a better goal difference from Mauritania who also finished with seven points. Burkina Faso and the Central African Republic bow out. The Barea now prepare for a daunting quarter-final test, but their resilience and spirit suggest they will be difficult opponents for anyone.
CAF
30-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Madagascar team profile
Madagascar, affectionately known as the Barea, returns to the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) with high expectations following their remarkable debut in 2022. Guided by the tactical expertise of Romuald Rakotondrabe, the Barea aim to build on their bronze medal achievement and take another step towards continental glory. With a blend of youthful talent and a fast, technical playing style, the Malagasy are ready to leave their mark once again on Africa's premier domestic-league player tournament. Factfile Nickname : The Barea : The Barea Participations : 2 (2022, 2024) : 2 (2022, 2024) Best Performance: Third place (2022) How They Qualified Madagascar secured their spot at CHAN 2024 with a confident display against Eswatini. A 2-0 home victory in the first leg set the tone, and despite a narrow 1-0 loss in the return leg, the Barea advanced on aggregate to book their place in East Africa. Players to Watch John Christiano Razafimanana (Forward, Ajesaia Fenohasina):The 23-year-old forward was instrumental in Madagascar's qualification campaign, scoring in the crucial first-leg victory over Eswatini. Known for his blistering speed, positional awareness, and clinical finishing, Razafimanana is a constant threat to opposing defenses. His tireless pressing and ability to capitalize on defensive lapses make him a key player in the Barea's attacking arsenal. Nina Razakanirina (Midfielder, Fosa Juniors): A midfield dynamo, Razakanirina is celebrated for his impeccable passing and ability to control the tempo of the game. His creativity and vision enable him to link defense and attack seamlessly, while his work rate ensures stability in the center of the pitch. Razakanirina will be pivotal in orchestrating Madagascar's dynamic play at CHAN 2024. Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe: Nicknamed "Rôro," Rakotondrabe is a master tactician whose philosophy emphasizes fluid, attacking football. He has transformed Madagascar into a cohesive unit capable of competing against Africa's best. His focus on technical precision, quick transitions, and offensive versatility has made the Barea a formidable force. Known for his adaptability, Rakotondrabe often employs a high-intensity pressing game that disrupts opponents' build-up play while maximizing his team's attacking opportunities. His tactical discipline and ability to nurture young talent have positioned him as one of the continent's emerging coaching minds. Under his guidance, Madagascar aims to surpass their third-place finish from 2022 and challenge for the ultimate prize.
CAF
18-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Madagascar
Madagascar, affectionately known as the Barea, returns to the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) with high expectations following their remarkable debut in 2022. Guided by the tactical expertise of Romuald Rakotondrabe, the Barea aim to build on their bronze medal achievement and take another step towards continental glory. With a blend of youthful talent and a fast, technical playing style, the Malagasy are ready to leave their mark once again on Africa's premier domestic-league player tournament. Factfile Nickname : The Barea : The Barea Participations : 2 (2022, 2024) : 2 (2022, 2024) Best Performance: Third place (2022) How They Qualified Madagascar secured their spot at CHAN 2024 with a confident display against Eswatini. A 2-0 home victory in the first leg set the tone, and despite a narrow 1-0 loss in the return leg, the Barea advanced on aggregate to book their place in East Africa. Players to Watch John Christiano Razafimanana (Forward, Ajesaia Fenohasina):The 23-year-old forward was instrumental in Madagascar's qualification campaign, scoring in the crucial first-leg victory over Eswatini. Known for his blistering speed, positional awareness, and clinical finishing, Razafimanana is a constant threat to opposing defenses. His tireless pressing and ability to capitalize on defensive lapses make him a key player in the Barea's attacking arsenal. Nina Razakanirina (Midfielder, Fosa Juniors): A midfield dynamo, Razakanirina is celebrated for his impeccable passing and ability to control the tempo of the game. His creativity and vision enable him to link defense and attack seamlessly, while his work rate ensures stability in the center of the pitch. Razakanirina will be pivotal in orchestrating Madagascar's dynamic play at CHAN 2024. Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe: Nicknamed "Rôro," Rakotondrabe is a master tactician whose philosophy emphasizes fluid, attacking football. He has transformed Madagascar into a cohesive unit capable of competing against Africa's best. His focus on technical precision, quick transitions, and offensive versatility has made the Barea a formidable force. Known for his adaptability, Rakotondrabe often employs a high-intensity pressing game that disrupts opponents' build-up play while maximizing his team's attacking opportunities. His tactical discipline and ability to nurture young talent have positioned him as one of the continent's emerging coaching minds. Under his guidance, Madagascar aims to surpass their third-place finish from 2022 and challenge for the ultimate prize.
CAF
20-03-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Tunisia, Madagascar secure crucial wins in 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Cameroon stumble
Tunisia edged past Liberia 1-0, Madagascar cruised to a 4-1 win over the Central African Republic, while Cameroon were held to a shock goalless draw against Eswatini in their latest 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Hazem Mastouri's early strike secured Tunisia's hard-fought victory in Monrovia, keeping them top of Group H with 13 points. Madagascar's dominant display in Group I, led by Rayan Raveloson's brace, propelled them to first place, while Cameroon's failure to break down bottom-placed Eswatini leaves them frustrated in Group D. Tunisia's Early Strike Enough in Monrovia Tunisia's trip to Liberia proved successful as they secured a narrow 1-0 win at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Complex. The Carthage Eagles struck early, with Mastouri finishing off a well-worked move in the fourth minute following high pressing from Hannibal Mejbri. The visitors came close to doubling their lead, with Naïm Sliti hitting the crossbar before halftime. Liberia, however, pushed for an equaliser, dominating possession but failing to break through Tunisia's compact defensive setup. Aymen Dahmen made crucial saves in the 37th and 41st minutes to deny the hosts. In the second half, Tunisia absorbed pressure and nearly sealed the win late on through Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, who fluffed a golden opportunity. The win cements Tunisia's grip on Group H, with a clash against Malawi up next, while Liberia face Sao Tome and Principe. Madagascar Run Riot in Group I Madagascar produced a commanding 4-1 victory over the Central African Republic to claim the top spot in Group I. The match began with an early shock as Gabor gave the Central Africans the lead in the ninth minute. However, Madagascar responded emphatically, with captain Raveloson scoring twice before the break. The Barea continued their dominance in the second half, adding two more goals to seal a resounding win. Their solid defence nullified any hopes of a comeback for their opponents. This crucial victory boosts Madagascar's hopes of qualifying for their first-ever World Cup. Cameroon Frustrated in Eswatini Stalemate Meanwhile, Cameroon were left frustrated after being held to a 0-0 draw by bottom-placed Eswatini in Group D. The Indomitable Lions struggled to find a breakthrough, despite dominating possession. The result keeps them at the top of the group with nine points from five matches but gives Eswatini their first point of the campaign. The group's other Matchday 5 fixtures will be played on Wednesday, with Cameroon needing to bounce back quickly to maintain their lead. With qualification hopes at stake, Tunisia and Madagascar strengthened their positions, while Cameroon's setback leaves them with work to do as the road to the 2026 World Cup intensifies.
