Late starters
The national team on the world's fourth-largest island was not formed until 1947. Madagascar made their debut in a triangular tournament with Mauritius and Reunion. They lost their first game to Mauritius before beating Reunion 4-2 to record an inaugural win. Madagascar did not even bother entering the first seven AFCON editions after they were up and running.FIRST AFCON = FIRST QUARTER FINAL 🎱#MADCOD #TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/NMrtKLTaxj
— CAF (@CAF_Online) July 7, 2019
Niche nickname
Madagascar's football team takes their nickname from horned cattle (Barry Batchelor/PA) Madagascar are known as the Barea – a species of zebu cattle which is featured on Madagascar's coat of arms. The horned cattle are not indigenous to Madagascar, however, being an export of South Asia.Job share
French boss Nicolas Dupuis actually has two jobs. The 51-year-old was appointed Madagascar manager in March 2017, and became technical director of French Championnat National 2 outfit FC Fleury 91 in January 2019.Nicolas Dupuis: Leader by example ðŸ‹ï¸#MADCOD #TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/kNAyYVPSqs
— CAF (@CAF_Online) July 7, 2019
On the rise
Madagascar were 190 on the FIFA rankings, the lowest spot in their history, as recently as March 2014. But the Barea are now ranked 108th and certain to rise further after a tournament which saw them shock three-time African champions Nigeria – ranked 63 places higher than them – 2-0 at the group stage.#ALEFABAREA have not lost a single AFCON game - and are also the first team to remain unbeaten in their first 4⃣ games since Libya in 1982 âš½ï¸#TotalAFCON2019 pic.twitter.com/BsrrWynRCY
— CAF (@CAF_Online) July 7, 2019
One to watch
Former Italy forward Roberto Baggio (right) was clearly a fans' favourite on the island of Madagascar (PA Archive/PA Images) Strikers Carolus Andriamatsinoro and Lalaina Nomenjanahary have been stand-out players in Egypt and both scored in the Nigeria win. But one player to definitely watch out for is the evocatively named Romario Baggio Rakotoarisoa, a 21-year-old midfielder who has a lot to live up to.DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Government suspends implementation of price Stabilisation and Recovery levy on petroleum products
39 mins -
Takoradi traders lament over low sales ahead of Easter
2 hours -
Michael Ampadu: One Student, One Tablet initiative will shape the future of education and innovation
2 hours -
I will partner you for development – Alan tells TUC
3 hours -
Malnutrition, anemia remain concern to UNICEF
3 hours -
Kasoa shrinking penis: Court remands Electrician over false alarm
3 hours -
Chief of Mampong Hemang donates land for mental health facility construction
4 hours -
‘I look forward to working closely with President-elect Faye to enhance Ghanaian-Senegalese relations’ – Akufo-Addo
4 hours -
Girl, 8, only survivor as 45 killed in bus crash in South Africa
5 hours -
Biden to host star-studded NYC fundraiser with Obama and Clinton
5 hours -
GDNR, AAU and others launch Universal Acceptance for local languages in internet domain names
5 hours -
Ogum and Kotoko’s March malaise
7 hours -
BushGang Zee releases new afro dancehall anthem “Accra Stay By Plan”
7 hours -
2 repair vessels dispatched for undersea cable repairs – says NCA’s latest update
7 hours -
Multimedia Group Limited’s Clinton Yeboah shortlisted for 2 International Sports Press Association Awards
7 hours