The reigning Madagascar rugby champions are facing a high-stakes match this Sunday at the Makis Andohatapenaka stadium. Competing against TFMA (TFM Ankasina) during the eleventh round of the Madagascar Men’s First Division Rugby Championship, known as the XXL Energy Top 12, the titleholders have no room for error. A victory is essential to maintain their place in the top 4, which qualifies them for the semi-final play-offs and allows them to continue defending their title.
After ten rounds, FTM holds fourth place with 54 points, having secured six victories and four defeats with a point difference of +54. Trailing closely, Uscar remains ready to seize the position should they stumble. The top four teams will advance to the play-offs: the fourth-placed team will challenge current leaders Cosfa, while the third-placed team will face the current second-placed club, CEA Andranomanalina.
The pressure is therefore at its peak for the Manjakaray side. “Sunday’s match is of capital importance for us. As defending champions, falling out of the top 4 is unthinkable, as it would mean losing the title since we would not qualify for the semi-final play-offs,” says coach Antonio Rabeherison.
On the other side, TFMA, currently seventh with 22 points (four wins, one draw, and five losses, with a -52 point difference), has little left to play for in the standings but intends to finish the season on a high note. Their coach, Fidelis Rakotoniaina, known as ‘Coach Louda,’ sets the tone: “We will do our best to secure a victory against FT Manjakaray, if only for the club’s pride.” It will be a duel where the ambitions of one side will meet the pride of the other.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-03 06:13:49 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/rugby-top-12-ft-manjakaray-joue-sa.html