Mixed fortunes for Malagasy clubs competing in African cups. The Centre de formation de football d’Andoharanofotsy (CFFA) defeated Lesotho’s Lijabatho FC (2-0) at the Côte d’Or Sports Complex in Mauritius during the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round on Saturday evening.
The team coached by Franck Rajaonarisamba, playing away from home for their “home” match, broke the deadlock in the second half against a defensive opponent. Patrick Harisson, known as Gone, opened the scoring at the hour mark (60′). Fitahiana extended CFFA’s lead in the final moments of the match (90’+4), providing a more comfortable advantage for the Andoharanofotsy club.
Meanwhile, FC Rouge did not experience the taste of victory in their CAF Confederation Cup debut. The Malagasy representative, missing their head coach on the bench, was defeated by the Red Arrows during the first leg of the competition’s first round at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia, on Saturday.
FC Rouge conceded two goals, one in each half (39′ and 58′), in their first-ever African Cup match. Both teams had scoring opportunities. Tafitasoa Ranivoarison was unlucky to see his free-kick hit the crossbar. The dominant Zambians could also have increased the score several times.
Both Malagasy representatives in the African Cup will have little time to prepare for the return legs, scheduled for next week. CFFA will travel to Johannesburg, South Africa, to attempt to secure their ticket to the next round of the CAF Champions League on September 12. Due to the lack of homologation of the Mahamasina Stadium, the Madagascar Cup winner will “host” the Red Arrows in Mauritius on September 13.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-06 08:08:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.2424.mg/football-le-cffa-en-ballotage-favorable-apres-sa-victoire-sur-lijabatho-fc-2-0-alors-que-le-fc-rouge-sincline-devant-red-arrows-0-2-en-competitions-africaines/