Madagascar's national football team, the Barea, are set for a busy period with both COSAFA Cup and World Cup 2026 qualifying matches on the horizon. Under the guidance of coach Corentin Martins, the senior team recently played a friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Orléans, France, as part of their preparations for the World Cup qualifiers.
COSAFA Cup Challenge: Barea A' vs. Tanzania
Meanwhile, the Barea A' team, led by coach Rôrô, is competing in the COSAFA Cup in South Africa. Their first match was against Tanzania, a team they will face again at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August. The match took place at Toyota Stadium with Madagascar looking to make a strong start to the tournament.
Coach Rôrô traveled to Bloemfontein with a squad of 23 players, aiming to finally clinch the COSAFA Cup trophy, a title the Grande Île has been chasing since the tournament's inception in 1997. Only the first-place finisher in their group secures a spot in the semi-finals, raising the stakes for every match.
Early COSAFA Cup Results
The COSAFA Cup kicked off with a defeat for the host nation, South Africa, who lost 1-0 to Mozambique despite dominating the match. Mauritius also secured a commendable draw against Zimbabwe, showing the competitive nature of the tournament.
The Comoros also featured in the competition, facing Zambia. Given their impressive performances in recent years, they are considered strong contenders. A successful start could significantly boost their confidence.
With both the senior team preparing for World Cup qualifiers and the A' team battling it out in the COSAFA Cup, it's a crucial time for Madagascan football. Fans are eagerly anticipating positive results and hoping to see the Barea excel on both fronts.