Madagascar has qualified for the second qualifying round of the 2028 Olympic Games. The Barea Ladies eliminated the South Sudanese Bright Stars (2-1) in the first round and will face the Banyana Banyana in October.
Looking back, what are your thoughts on the matches against the South Sudanese Bright Stars?
We thought South Sudan was within our reach and wouldn’t cause us too many problems. However, the country has good teams, both for men and women. We confused it with Sudan, and we slightly underestimated the team in the first leg. They have some expatriate players based in Australia and South Africa. For the return leg, we had to choose a different strategy and boost the girls’ morale.
What needs to be strengthened to face South Africa?
We told the National Technical Director that we need a more serious preparation process. Two weeks before departure will no longer be enough. Moreover, the girls will play in the national championship around July, and we plan to hold training camps every two weeks. We have also asked the federation to call up expatriate players. A squad reshuffle will be inevitable: about fifteen players will be selected out of the twenty-two.
Does Madagascar have a chance to qualify for the Olympics with these five qualifying rounds?
It is worth remembering that South Africa is the defending champion and has already played in the World Cup. Beating them in the next round would motivate us to go further. This duel against South Africa will be the toughest stage. We have a chance to go as far as possible if we work well. We need to reinforce our finishing; we missed at least three clear goal-scoring opportunities against South Sudan. Above all, we must consolidate our physical condition and then review our tactics.
You have previously coached major men’s clubs in the country as well as the Barea. What have you brought to the women’s national team?
My assistants know the girls better; they were closer to them. Before the training camp, I didn’t know any of them, neither their names nor their respective capabilities. What I brought was rigor, especially after the first match. My assistants were very attentive, and the girls followed the instructions to the letter. I found that the girls can work more intensively. An anecdote: after the qualification goal, the players rushed to me crying with joy, something I have never experienced with the boys (laughs).
By Serge Rasanda
Captured & Published at: 2026-06-20 06:30:58 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/06/auguste-raux-head-coach-des-barea.html