The Madagascar national football team, known as the Barea, has grown into one of Africa’s most exciting emerging teams. From their historic AFCON 2019 quarter-final run to their impressive CHAN 2024 final appearance, the Barea continue to make headlines. Their talented mix of homegrown stars and overseas-based players is driving the team’s rise on the continental stage.
Madagascar’s soccer journey reflects passion, progress, and resilience. The team has overcome infrastructure challenges, even playing some “home” matches in South Africa due to CAF stadium regulations. Their tactical growth and disciplined play have earned them respect across the continent. This article breaks down everything from their latest fixtures, match results, player stats, and standings for the Madagascar national football team.
Profile overview
| Official Name | Madagascar National Football Team |
| Nickname | Barea |
| Association | Fédération Malagasy de Football |
| Confederation | CAF (Africa) |
| Sub-Confederation | COSAFA (Southern Africa) |
| Head Coach | Corentin Martins |
| Team Captain | Ibrahim Amada |
| Home Stadium | Rabemananjara Stadium |
| FIFA Code | MAD |
History of the Madagascar
Madagascar’s national football team made its international debut in 1947 during the Triangulaire tournament against Mauritius and Reunion, recording their first victory with a 4–2 win over Reunion. Throughout the 1960s, Madagascar FC competed in French-speaking international tournaments, including a notable 8–1 win over Congo in 1960 and strong performances against Tunisia and France’s amateur team in 1963. The team reached a historic milestone on 16 October 2018 by qualifying for their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and in the 2019 edition, they stunned fans by topping Group B with wins over Burundi and Nigeria, before reaching the quarter-finals after defeating DR Congo. Madagascar’s incredible debut earned them the nickname “the Iceland of Africa,” showcasing their rapid rise as one of Africa’s most surprising and competitive football nations.
Also read: Kenya vs Madagascar: Harambee Stars suffers painful CHAN defeat as Barea shines in penalties
Latest match results
| Competition | Stage | Date played | Fixture | Score |
| COSAFA Cup | Group stage · Matchday 2 of 3 | 9 Jun | Madagascar vs Eswatini | 1–1 |
| COSAFA Cup | Semi-final | 13 Jun | Angola vs Madagascar | 4–1 |
| COSAFA Cup | Match for 3rd place | 15 Jun | Madagascar vs Comoros | 0–1 |
| African Nations Championship | Group stage · Matchday 1 of 5 | 3 Aug | Madagascar vs Mauritania | 0–0 |
| African Nations Championship | Group stage · Matchday 3 of 5 | 9 Aug | Tanzania vs Madagascar | 2–1 |
| African Nations Championship | Group stage · Matchday 4 of 5 | 13 Aug | Madagascar vs Central African Republic | 2–0 |
| African Nations Championship | Group stage · Matchday 5 of 5 | 16 Aug | Burkina Faso vs Madagascar | 1–2 |
| African Nations Championship | Quarter-final | 22 Aug | Kenya vs Madagascar | 1 (3) |
| African Nations Championship | Semi-final | 26 Aug | Madagascar vs Sudan | 1–0 |
| African Nations Championship | Final | 30 Aug | Madagascar vs Morocco | 2–3 |
Upcoming Madagascar FC fixtures
| Competition | Date scheduled | Time | Fixture |
| World Cup Qualifiers | Thu, 4 Sept | 19:00 | Madagascar vs Central African Republic |
| World Cup Qualifiers | Mon, 8 Sept | 19:00 | Madagascar vs Chad |
| World Cup Qualifiers | 6 Oct | TBD | Madagascar vs Comoros |
| World Cup Qualifiers | 13 Oct | TBD | Madagascar vs Mali |
Madagascar FC squad
Current squad
This table shows the Madagascar national football team players including their positions and jersey numbers.
| Jersey number | Position | Player | Date of Birth (Age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
| 1 | GK | Sonny Laiton | 28 January 2000 (25) | 9 | 0 | Luxembourg Avenir Beggen |
| 16 | GK | Téva Gardies | 1 April 2001 (24) | 2 | 0 | France Châteaubriant |
| 23 | GK | Melvin Adrien | 30 August 1993 (32) | 26 | 0 | France Thonon Evian |
| 3 | DF | Mathieu Acapandié | 14 December 2004 (20) | 1 | 0 | France Nantes |
| 4 | DF | Titouan Fortun | 28 January 2004 (21) | 7 | 0 | France Dijon |
| 5 | DF | Louis Démoléon | 16 April 1997 (28) | 10 | 0 | Italy Enna |
| 11 | DF | Enzo Bovis | 23 April 1994 (31) | 2 | 0 | France Fleury 91 |
| 12 | DF | Radoniaina Rabemanantsoa | 17 December 1997 (27) | 10 | 0 | Madagascar Andoharanofotsy |
| 13 | DF | Scotty Sadzoute | 29 April 1998 (27) | 1 | 0 | Lithuania Šiauliai |
| 14 | DF | Robin Busset | 25 February 2000 (25) | 1 | 0 | Switzerland Stade Nyonnais |
| – | DF | Soloniaina Rajo Nirina Razafindrabearimihanta | 23 March 1997 (28) | 17 | 0 | Réunion Saint-Denis |
| – | DF | Elysée Randriamanantena | 25 January 1986 (39) | 1 | 0 | Madagascar ASSM Elgeco Plus |
| 6 | MF | Kalvin Paul | 2 July 2001 (24) | 0 | 0 | France Vierzon |
| 7 | MF | Rayan Raveloson | 16 January 1997 (28) | 41 | 7 | Switzerland Young Boys |
| 8 | MF | Johan N’Zi | 23 January 1995 (30) | 5 | 0 | Bulgaria Hebar Pazardzhik |
| 10 | MF | El Hadari Raheriniaina | 19 August 2006 (19) | 14 | 1 | France Paris |
| 10 | MF | Baggio Rakotoarisoa | 24 January 1996 (29) | 3 | 0 | Réunion Jeanne d’Arc |
| 17 | MF | John Baggio | 19 December 1991 (33) | 10 | 2 | Thailand Sukhothai |
| – | MF | Marco Ilaimaharitra | 26 July 1995 (30) | 31 | 3 | Belgium Kortrijk |
| – | MF | Loïc Lapoussin | 27 March 1996 (29) | 22 | 1 | Belgium Sint-Truiden |
| 9 | FW | Bryan Adinany | 13 March 2000 (25) | 1 | 0 | Belgium Lierse |
| 15 | FW | Arnaud Randrianantenaina | 3 January 2001 (24) | 18 | 1 | Egypt El Gouna |
| 19 | FW | Samuel Noireau-Dauriat | 1 January 2003 (22) | 0 | 0 | France Guingamp |
| – | FW | Njiva Rakotoharimalala | 6 August 1992 (33) | 40 | 8 | Thailand Ratchaburi |
| – | FW | Hakim Abdallah | 9 January 1998 (27) | 15 | 1 | Romania Dinamo București |
| – | FW | Warren Caddy | 9 April 1997 (28) | 9 | 0 | Switzerland Lausanne Ouchy |
Recent call-ups
| Position | Player | Appearances | Goals | Club | Latest Call-up |
| GK | Geordan Dupire | 1 | 0 | Luxembourg Swift Hesperange | v. Ghana, 24 Mar 2025 |
| Zakanirina Rakotoasimbola | 19 | 0 | Réunion Marsouins | v. Ghana, 24 Mar 2025 | |
| DF | Tony Randriamanampisoa | 5 | 1 | Madagascar ASSM Elgeco Plus | v. Ghana, 24 Mar 2025 |
| Jean Marcelin | 1 | 0 | Austria Rapid Wien | v. Ghana, 24 Mar 2025 | |
| Jean-Pierre Morgan | 3 | 0 | France Orléans | v. Ghana, 24 Mar 2025 | |
| Thomas Fontaine | 32 | 1 | France Sochaux | v. Ghana, 24 Mar 2025 | |
| Thierno Millimono | 3 | 0 | Cyprus Othellos Athienou | v. Ghana, 24 Mar 2025 | |
| Tantely Rabarijaona | 19 | 0 | Madagascar CFFA | v. Comoros, 18 Nov 2024 | |
| Sandro Trémoulet | 4 | 0 | Belgium Seraing | v. Comoros, 18 Nov 2024 | |
| Davidson Gueguen | 0 | 0 | France Villefranche Saint-Jean Beaulieu | v. Comoros, 18 Nov 2024 | |
| Kenji-Van Boto | 9 | 0 | France Pau | v. Gambia, 14 Oct 2024 | |
| Romain Métanire | 27 | 0 | United States Spokane Velocity | v. Mali, 10 Jun 2024 | |
| Fabien Boyer | 6 | 0 | Réunion Saint-Pierroise | v. Mali, 10 Jun 2024 | |
| Nomena Andriatiana | 0 | 0 | France Aubagne FC | v. Mali, 10 Jun 2024 | |
| MF | Tommy Iva | 1 | 0 | France Orléans | v. Ghana, 24 Mar 2025 |
| Lalaïna Rafanomezantsoa | 23 | 2 | Madagascar CFFA | v. Ghana, 24 Mar 2025 | |
| Clément Couturier | 5 | 0 | France FC Villefranche Beaujolais | v. Ghana, 24 Mar 2025 | |
| Arohasina Andrianarimanana | 34 | 2 | Madagascar Fosa Juniors | v. Ghana, 24 Mar 2025 | |
| Ibrahim Amada (captain) | 47 | 4 | Thailand Ratchaburi | v. Comoros, 18 Nov 2024 | |
| Rojo Andriamanjato | 30 | 1 | Réunion Saint-Pauloise | v. Comoros, 18 Nov 2024 | |
| Andy Rakotondrajoa | 6 | 0 | Madagascar Disciples | v. Comoros, 9 Sep 2024 | |
| Ando Manoelantsoa | 16 | 0 | Réunion Saint-Pierroise | v. Mali, 10 Jun 2024 | |
| FW | Tsiry Randriatsiferana | 31 | 6 | Réunion Saint-Pauloise | v. Comoros, 18 Nov 2024 |
| Ryan Ponti | 4 | 0 | France US Orléans | v. Comoros, 18 Nov 2024 | |
| Fenohasina Razafimaro | 2 | 0 | Madagascar ASSM Elgeco Plus | v. Comoros, 18 Nov 2024 | |
| Carolus Andriamahitsinoro | 49 | 12 | Saudi Arabia Al-Kawkab | v. Gambia, 14 Oct 2024 | |
| Tendry Randrianarijaona | 25 | 4 | Madagascar Disciples | v. Gambia, 14 Oct 2024 | |
| Nicolas Fontaine | 0 | 0 | Belgium Lokeren-Temse | v. Gambia, 14 Oct 2024 | |
| Angelo Andrianantenaina | 3 | 0 | Réunion AS Excelsior | v. Mali, 10 Jun 2024 | |
| Julien Pontgerard | 0 | 0 | France AS Brestois | v. Mali, 10 Jun 2024 |
Coaching staff and history
| Role | Name |
| Head coach | Corentin Martins |
| Assistant coach | Andry Razakandrianaina |
| Assistant coach | Hervé Andrianasimbola |
| Goalkeeping coach | Nirina Rakotobololona |
| Fitness coach | Michel Rajaonarinantenaina |
| Match analyst | Flavien Andriamanomenjanahary |
| Performance coach | Alphonse Rakotomanatsinoro |
| Team doctor | Dr. Stéphane Rajaonaribololona |
| Dr. Hugo Rakotomalalanantenaina | |
| Physiotherapist | Gaël Njivarabesananteinaina |
| Christophe Rakotonantenaina | |
| Philippe Ravelonomenjanahary | |
| Razakaniaina Andriarakotobololona | |
| Team coordinator | Faneva Andriatsima |
| Technical director | Éric Rabésandratana |
Coaching history
| Country | Coach | Tenure |
| West Germany | Peter Schnittger | 1978–1985 |
| Madagascar | Justin Rasoloharimahefa | 1994 |
| Madagascar | Claude “Ntsoa” Ravelomanantsoa | –2001 |
| Madagascar | Vincent Randriamirado | 2001 |
| Madagascar | Jeremia Randriambololona | 2001 |
| Switzerland | Hans Heiniger | 2002–2003 |
| Madagascar | Hervé Arsène | 2007–2008 |
| Madagascar | Mickael Nivoson Andrianasy | 2008 |
| Madagascar | Jeremia Randriambololona | 2008 |
| France | Jean-Paul Rabier | 2010–2011 |
| Madagascar | Mosa | 2011 |
| Madagascar | Frank Rajaonarisamba | 2011–2012 |
| France | Auguste Raux | 2012–2014 |
| Madagascar | Frank Rajaonarisamba | 2014–2016 |
| France | Auguste Raux | 2016–2017 |
| France | Nicolas Dupuis | 2017–2021 |
| Madagascar | Éric Rabésandratana | 2021–2022 |
| France | Nicolas Dupuis | 2022–2023 |
| Madagascar | Romuald Rakotondrabe | 2023–present |
Individual player records
Players with most appearances
| Position | Player’s name | Appearances | Goals | Tenure |
| 1 | Paulin Voavy | 67 | 15 | 2007–2022 |
| 2 | Mamisoa Razafindrakoto | 63 | 0 | 1998–2011 |
| 3 | Njiva Rakotoharimalala | 56 | 14 | 2014–present |
| 4 | Gervais Randrianarisoa | 52 | 0 | 2005–2022 |
| 5 | Carolus Andriamatsinoro | 49 | 12 | 2009–2024 |
| 6 | Jimmy Radafison | 49 | 0 | 2000–2011 |
| 7 | Ibrahim Amada | 47 | 4 | 2008–2024 |
| 8 | Faneva Imà Andriatsima | 47 | 14 | 2003–2019 |
| 9 | Lalaina Nomenjanahary | 47 | 5 | 2006–2021 |
| 10 | Eric-Julien Rakotondrabe | 47 | 0 | 1999–2011 |
Top goalscorers
| Rank | Player | Total goals | Appearances | Period |
| 1 | Paulin Voavy | 15 | 67 | 2007–2022 |
| 2 | Faneva Imà Andriatsima | 14 | 47 | 2005–2019 |
| 3 | Njiva Rakotoharimalala | 14 | 56 | 2014–present |
| 4 | Carolus Andriamatsinoro | 12 | 49 | 2009–2024 |
| 5 | Harry Randrianaivo | 11 | 21 | 1990–2003 |
| 6 | Ruphin Menakely | 10 | 25 | 1998–2003 |
| 7 | Sarivahy Vombola | 8 | 30 | 2011–2017 |
| 8 | Rado Rasoanaivo | 8 | 40 | 1992–2003 |
| 9 | Rayan Raveloson | 8 | 42 | 2019–present |
| 10 | Tsiry Randriatsiferana | 7 | 31 | 2022–present |
Madagascar national football team standings
| Club | Games played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points |
| Group A | |||||
| Egypt | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 16 |
| Burkina Faso | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 11 |
| Sierra Leone | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
| Ethiopia | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Guinea-Bissau | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Djibouti | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 1 |
| Group B | |||||
| DR Congo | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 13 |
| Senegal | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 12 |
| Sudan | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 12 |
| Togo | 6 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| South Sudan | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Mauritania | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Group C | |||||
| South Africa | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 13 |
| Rwanda | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
| Benin | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
| Nigeria | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 7 |
| Lesotho | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Zimbabwe | 6 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| Group D | |||||
| Cape Verde | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 13 |
| Cameroon | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 12 |
| Libya | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
| Angola | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 7 |
| Mauritius | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Eswatini | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Group E | |||||
| Morocco | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| Tanzania | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 9 |
| Zambia | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
| Niger | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 |
| Congo | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Eritrea | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Group F | |||||
| Ivory Coast | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 16 |
| Gabon | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 15 |
| Burundi | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 10 |
| Kenya | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Gambia | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Seychelles | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Group G | |||||
| Algeria | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 15 |
| Mozambique | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 12 |
| Botswana | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 9 |
| Uganda | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 9 |
| Guinea | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 |
| Somalia | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 1 |
| Group H | |||||
| Tunisia | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 16 |
| Namibia | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 12 |
| Liberia | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 10 |
| Equatorial Guinea | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 |
| Malawi | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 6 |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Group I | |||||
| Ghana | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 15 |
| Coromos | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 12 |
| Madagascar | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 10 |
| Mali | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 9 |
| Central African Republic | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Chad | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Group J | |||||
| Gabon | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 15 |
| Cameroon | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 12 |
| Senegal | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 12 |
| Namibia | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 12 |
| Coromos | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 12 |
| Mozambique | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 12 |
| Burkina Faso | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 11 |
| Tanzania | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 9 |
| Rwanda | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
Memorable tournaments and rivalries
Madagascar vs Morocco in the CHAN final
Madagascar’s clash with Morocco in the CHAN 2024 final was one for the history books, showcasing their rapid rise in African football. Despite a brave performance, Madagascar fell short in a thrilling 3–2 defeat, with Morocco securing their third CHAN title. The match highlighted Madagascar’s resilience, their sharp attacking play, and the club’s growing status as a serious contender in African competitions. This rivalry with Morocco now stands out as a benchmark of Madagascar national team’s potential and determination to dominate future continental tournaments.
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Performance in major competitive records
FIFA World Cup
Madagascar soccer team is yet to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, despite multiple attempts since the 1980s. Their closest runs came during the 1994 qualifiers, where they secured three wins, and in the 2026 qualifying campaign, where they showed improvement with three wins and one draw in six matches. While they remain outside the global stage, the team’s steady progress signals potential for future breakthroughs.
Africa Cup of Nations
Madagascar FC’s biggest achievement came in 2019, when they made their AFCON debut and delivered a historic run to the quarter-finals, defeating Burundi and Nigeria along the way. Despite falling short in recent editions, including the 2023 qualifiers, their 2019 performance remains a benchmark moment in African football history. Their participation reflects a growing ambition to consistently compete with the continent’s elite.
African Nations Championship (CHAN)
In CHAN competitions, the Madagascar national team has emerged as a strong contender in recent years. They claimed a third-place finish in 2022 before reaching the final in 2024, where they narrowly lost to Morocco in an exciting 3–2 match. These results are proof of the club’s ability to compete at high levels when relying exclusively on local-based players.
African Games
Madagascar’s involvement in the African Games has been limited, with their best performance being an 8th-place finish in 1965 and 6th place in 1987. While they haven’t made a significant impact in this tournament, it has provided valuable exposure and development opportunities for their younger players.
Indian Ocean Island games
Madagascar national football team games have been dominant in the Indian Ocean Island Games, winning the title three times (1990, 1993, and 2023). They have also finished runners-up twice, showcasing consistent strength in regional competitions. These victories highlight their status as one of the most competitive teams within the island nations.
COSAFA Cup
In the COSAFA Cup, Madagascar has shown flashes of brilliance, most notably securing third place in 2015 and fourth place in 2008, 2018, and 2025. The team’s performances demonstrate competitiveness within Southern Africa, though inconsistency has kept them from lifting the title. With growing squad depth, Madagascar remains a team to watch in future editions.
Awards and honors
| Type | Competition | Achievement | Years |
| Continental | African Nations Championship | Runners-up (Silver medal) | 2024 |
| Third place (Bronze medal) | 2022 | ||
| Regional | COSAFA Cup | Third place (Bronze medal) | 2015 |
| Indian Ocean Island Games | Gold medal (1st place) | 1990, 1993, 2023 | |
| Silver Medal (2nd place) | 1998, 2007 | ||
| Triangulaire Indian Ocean Games Triangulaire | Champions (Gold medal) | 1955, 1958, 1963 | |
| Runners-up (Silver medal) | 1947, 1948, 1949, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1956 | ||
| Third place (Bronze medal) | 701950, 1954, 1957 |
Recent news
Madagascar’s Barea made history at CHAN 2024, reaching their first-ever final before losing 3–2 to Morocco in Nairobi, Kenya. Fans welcomed the team home as heroes, with the President praising their outstanding performance. This strong run has boosted confidence ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, proving Madagascar’s soccer is now a rising force in African football.
FAQs about Madagascar national football team
Who is the new coach of Madagascar?
Appointed in January 2025, Corentin Martins is the new coach of Madagascar?
Where does Madagascar play their home matches?
Madagascar soccer team plays its home matches at Kianja Barea Stadium in Antananarivo, though recent CAF standards issues have forced some games to be played in countries like South Africa.
Has Madagascar ever been in the World Cup?
Barea has never played in the FIFA World Cup, although they have taken part in the qualifiers and other competitions such as the Africa Cup of Nations.
Conclusion
The Madagascar national football team is quickly gaining recognition as one of Africa’s most exciting sides. Led by captain Ibrahim Amada and guided by coach Corentin Martins, the Barea are showing steady progress in international competitions. Their journey, highlighted by a CHAN 2024 final and a memorable AFCON 2019 run, keeps fans eager for their next fixtures. With rising stars and a passionate fan base, the Madagascar national team is shaping up to be a true contender in upcoming tournaments. Also read: Atlas Lions Roar in Nairobi: Morocco beat Madagascar to win coveted CHAN title.