Controversy Surrounds Madagascar Squad for Nigeria AFCON Qualifier
Madagascar’s squad selection for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria has generated debate, particularly over the inclusion of goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Barea coach Corentin Martins has named a 25-man squad for the September qualifiers, with Madagascar set to face Nigeria in Uyo on September 25 before taking on Tanzania four days later. CAF confirmed Boucher and striker Roman Ferber as the two new faces in the squad, while Warren Caddy returns to the national team.
Boucher’s inclusion has attracted considerable attention in Madagascar because the 34-year-old Troyes goalkeeper previously rejected a national-team invitation in 2018.
According to Newsmada, Boucher turned down the earlier approach and said at the time that he considered himself French and did not identify as Malagasy. His decision to accept the latest invitation has now divided opinion among supporters and former players.
Former Barea player Voavy Paulin was among those who questioned the decision to select the goalkeeper, according to the Malagasy publication.
Newsmada also reported concerns over the absence of several players from Martins’ squad, including Fenoahasina, Njiva Rakotoharimalala, Jean Marcelin, Louis Démoléon and goalkeeper Sonny Laiton. The publication described the selection as one that has divided opinion among national team followers.
Despite the controversy surrounding Boucher, Martins has opted for a squad containing a mixture of established players and new additions as Madagascar begin their AFCON qualifying campaign.
The Barea are coming off an impressive run at the 2025 African Nations Championship, where they reached the final, and will now attempt to carry that momentum into the senior AFCON qualifiers.
Their opening assignment, however, will be a difficult one against Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25.
Madagascar will then face Tanzania on September 29, with the match scheduled to take place at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknès in Morocco. Tanzania are already assured of a place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament’s co-hosts.
The squad controversy comes against the backdrop of other issues within Madagascar football, including a reported dispute involving former Barea coach Romuald Félix Rakotondrabe over alleged unpaid salaries.
For Martins, the immediate priority will be turning attention away from the selection debate and preparing his players for the difficult opening assignment against the Super Eagles.
The Barea will hope their blend of experienced players, returning internationals and new faces can deliver a positive result in Uyo as they begin their quest for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Comments
This article has 0 comment(s) , give your comment