In Group L of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Guinea-Bissau will compete for the qualifying spot behind Tanzania, which has already qualified as a co-host.
The draw for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers has placed Madagascar in a group that is both challenging and unique. Tanzania, co-hosting with Kenya and Uganda, is guaranteed a spot in the 2027 AFCON regardless of its ranking. The battle for the remaining ticket involves Madagascar, Nigeria, and Guinea-Bissau. The CAF has clarified that in groups containing a host country, only one other team can secure qualification.
In the continental hierarchy, Nigeria, a frequent World Cup participant, remains the clear favorite over Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Historical head-to-head records confirm this advantage: in five recorded meetings, Nigeria leads significantly in victories. Madagascar has only one win, one draw, and three losses. However, the precedent that fuels Malagasy hope is the most significant one: on June 30, 2019, the Barea defeated Nigeria 2-0 at the AFCON in Egypt.
This success shows that Madagascar is capable of competing with a top-tier team when its collective organization, commitment, and efficiency are on point. The trip to Nigeria, which will open the campaign between September 21 and October 6, 2026, will, however, be a major first test. The return leg, scheduled for the final window in March 2027, could prove decisive in the Barea’s race for the 2027 AFCON.
Against Tanzania, the record is much more balanced. In the last five meetings since 2015, Madagascar has recorded two wins, one draw, and two losses.
Guinea-Bissau remains the unknown factor. The two teams have never faced each other at the senior national level. However, the ‘Djurtus’, the nickname for the Guinea-Bissau national team, should not be underestimated. Their presence in the group offers Madagascar an important opportunity to secure six points or, at the very least, remain undefeated during the double-header.
Qualification will also depend on the ability of Corentin Martins, the Barea coach, to expand his squad. Extended until 2027 with the primary goal of qualifying Madagascar for the AFCON, he already has an experienced core. Rayan Raveloson appears to be one of the natural leaders. In 2026, he is among the most used and decisive Malagasy players.
Loïc Lapoussin also possesses the profile needed to turn tight matches around. Warren Caddy, also regularly called up, provides a complementary offensive solution. Ryan Ponti, Arnaud Randrianantenaina, Nicolas Fontaine, El Hadary Raheriniaina, Hakim Abdallah, as well as defenders Louis Démoléon, Sandro Tremoulet, and Bono Rabearivelo, complete the coach’s options. However, the main problem for Madagascar is that, to date, there is no indication of the national team’s composition or its preparation on the horizon.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-21 06:09:07 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/football-can-2027-les-barea-affrontent.html