World Cup Qualifying: Madagascar coach beefs up squad ahead of CAR clash
- Peter Kanjere
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
Madagascar coach Corentin Martins has beefed up his squad with five players ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Central African Republic (CAR) on March 19, 2025.
The two teams meet at Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco in the Group I game due to a widespread lack of certified match venues in Africa including in Madagascar.
L’Express newspaper of the island nation reports that Martins, who took over from Romuald Rakotondrabe months ago, has called up offensive and defensive players after noting some weaknesses in the Barea.
The new arrivals include left winger Samuel Noireau-Dauriat of EA Guingamp FC in the French Ligue 2, Baggio Rakotonomenjanahary (Sukhothai FC, Thai Pro League), Njiva Martin Rakotomalala (Ratchaburi FC), Stade Lausanne Ouchy striker Caddy Warren and former Ajesaia striker El Hadary Raheriniaina.
Last month, the Malagasy Football Federation (FMF) challenged Martins to take the Barea to the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time. Martins, who has signed a one-year contract, has since said he has faith in the potential of the Barea players after having monitored the team at the 2019 AFCON finals in Egypt.
Madagascar are in third place in the group on seven points, two points behind joint leaders Ghana and Comoros while CAR are second from bottom on four points. CHAN anchor the table on zero point.
The islanders’ last international game saw them lose 0-1 to Eswatini in an African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier on December 29 2024, but sealed qualification to the finals on aggregate after winning the previous away match 2-0.
Martins’ side has won once in the last six games in all competitions just like CAR only managing to beat the Indomitable Lions’ B side 2-1 in a CHAN qualifier.
