Many football enthusiasts and former international players have expressed shock over past statements made by the new Barea goalkeeper, Zacharie Boucher.
The atmosphere is particularly tense less than a week before the first match. The announcement of the twenty-five Barea players selected for the first two days of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers was overshadowed by the resurgence of controversial remarks made by one of the new recruits: Zacharie Boucher, the current goalkeeper for Estac Troyes. An excerpt from an interview he gave to a prominent French media outlet in 2018 resurfaced on social media, triggering a wave of indignation eight years later.
At the time, when asked to join the national team, the Reunion-born player firmly declined the invitation: “I am French. I have never been Malagasy (…) Just look at my passport. It has always been French. If the coach calls me, it’s a no.” Malagasy football fans, supporters, and several figures from the 2019 AFCON campaign in Egypt did not hide their anger at this late turnaround. “Making such comments… is a lack of respect for our nation, for the jersey you are supposed to represent, and for all those who fight for this country. There are many Malagasy players who would love to be in your place,” criticized former international Lalaina Nomenjanahary, alias “Bolida,” on Facebook.
“You minimize our country too much. Wearing the national jersey is an honor, not something to be trivialized or devalued according to personal interests,” he added. Former Barea captain Faneva Andriantsima also echoed these sentiments: “Wearing the Barea of Madagascar jersey is an honor and an act of love, never a default choice or a way to serve personal interests… A little respect, please.”
As tensions rise, this incident will inevitably impact the group’s cohesion on the eve of two crucial matches. On social media, the controversy is growing: as petitions multiply, many observers are now calling on the federation and coach Corentin Martins to drop the player. As a reminder, Madagascar will begin its campaign against the Nigerian Super Eagles on Friday, September 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria. Corentin Martins’ men will then “host” the Tanzanian Taifa Stars in Morocco, at the Honneur Stadium in Meknes, on Tuesday, September 29.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-19 06:08:35 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/football-can-2027-zacharie-boucher.html