The second playoff match for the semi-finals of the Madagascar Rugby XV Championship, the XXL Energy Top 12, between FT Manjakaray (FTM) and US Ankadifotsy (USA), ended in confusion on Sunday at the Makis Stadium in Andohatapenaka. While the defending champions, FT Manjakaray, were leading 35-28 with a minute and a half left in regulation time, a disputed refereeing decision led to the interruption of the match, followed by a pitch invasion and heated protests.
Before the chaos, FTM started strongly, opening the scoring with a penalty in the 3rd minute. US Ankadifotsy responded with two penalties from Hery Rakotomanalina to take the lead. Despite being temporarily reduced to thirteen players, USA showed character, leading 22-18 at halftime. However, after the break, FT Manjakaray turned the situation around to lead 35-28 by the 59th minute.
The turning point occurred with 90 seconds remaining when a potential try by US Ankadifotsy was disallowed by the assistant referee. Players contested the decision, leading to a pitch invasion by supporters from both sides, forcing officials to abandon the match. USA assistant coach Eric Tovondrainy denounced “biased decisions,” while FTM coach Antonio Rabeherison maintained that his team’s victory was legitimate, noting that USA refused to finish the game.
Malagasy Rugby must now decide on the outcome of the match. If the score is upheld, FT Manjakaray will face the Club Étoile d’Andranomanalina (CEA) in the semi-finals, while Cosfa will face USCAR.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-20 05:42:29 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/rugby-xv-barrage-des-demi-finales-le.html