Given the current pace of renovation works and certification procedures, the Barea might be forced to play all their qualifying matches for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) away from home.
Official statements have followed one another, and football fans are waiting impatiently for results. The Minister of Youth and Sports, Alain Désiré Rasambany, had stated that the hybrid surface for the pitch at Barea Stadium in Mahamasina was scheduled for completion by the end of January, with a technical analysis phase underway, but this has yet to materialize. The management of the stadium was transferred to the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MJS) at the end of 2025. Mady Rasolovoninjatovo, director of the Kianja Barea company, had emphasized that technicians would prospect suppliers in Europe and Africa, including Morocco and Egypt, following the technical analysis.
It was later approved during the Council of Ministers in early May that the playing area would be fitted with a hybrid pitch, with the State—through the Ministry of Economy and Finance—fully covering the final upgrade works to secure definitive certification. Half of the year has passed, and the condition of the natural grass continues to deteriorate, especially during this winter season and following the National Day celebrations at this legendary Barea stadium, which last hosted official matches in March 2024 during a FIFA window triangular tournament involving Madagascar, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Delayed Implementation
This week, the Ministry of Sports indicated that the State would launch calls for tenders from companies approved by CAF and FIFA. Public procurement procedures must be completed before any order is placed. According to available information, the complete replacement and installation of the hybrid turf will require at least six months. Following installation, local technicians will also need to receive skills training to ensure the specific maintenance of this turf.
In this scenario, with the administrative procedures and a minimum installation time of six months, the hybrid pitch will not be ready before the end of the year, while the qualifying matches for the 2027 AFCON are set to begin around September. The first two matchdays will take place between September 21 and October 6, during which Madagascar is scheduled to host Tanzania for the second match, following an away game against Nigeria.
The Great Island will face Guinea-Bissau during the 3rd and 4th matchdays, between November 9 and 17, with the first leg scheduled at home. Malagasy football enthusiasts and Barea fans will thus be deprived of these home AFCON qualifying matches. At this rate, obtaining certification by early 2027 remains uncertain. The 5th and 6th matchdays are scheduled from March 22 to 30, where the Barea are expected to host the Black Stars. While the hybrid pitch is significantly more expensive to install and maintain, it is far more compliant with international standards.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-01 06:13:06 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/football-can-les-matchs-domicile.html