It is now official. The Indian Ocean derby for the under-23 category will not take place. The Malagasy Football Federation (FMF) announced in a statement this Tuesday the withdrawal of Comoros from the U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Following the withdrawal of the Comorian Coelacanths, the Barea have directly secured their ticket to the second round of these qualifiers, in accordance with the competition regulations, as highlighted by the FMF. This first qualifying round was initially scheduled for September 28 for the first leg and October 6 for the return leg. Madagascar will now face South Africa in the second round scheduled for November.
The duo of Solonirina Raharijaona and Hery Nirina Ralison, known as “Nene”, coaches of the Malagasy national team, now have two months to build a competitive squad capable of challenging the South African selection.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-08 12:53:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.2424.mg/football-les-barea-qualifies-pour-le-deuxieme-tour-des-eliminatoires-de-la-can-u23-apres-le-forfait-des-comores/