After defeating FTM in the semi-finals and outclassing Uscar in the final, Cosfa has won the Madagascar Rugby Union Championship. The goal set at the beginning of the season has been achieved.
In a hard-fought battle, Cosfa edged out Uscar with a score of 26-25 yesterday afternoon at the Makis Stadium in Andohatapenaka, securing a new Madagascar Men’s First Division title, the XXL Energy Top 12.
The two teams took to the pitch at 3:09 PM, the military team in red and the Uscar players in white. The kick-off, initially delayed awaiting the arrival of the officiating team, including a South African central referee, was finally given at 3:33 PM.
By the second minute, Uscar’s rugby players scored the first try of the match, bringing the score to 5-0. Playing with confidence, the team in white took control and added a penalty in the 9th minute to extend the lead to 8-0.
The military team finally opened their account in the 20th minute with a penalty (3-8), before closing the gap to two points with a second penalty in the 26th minute (6-8). The match then became more tense, with a scuffle and several stoppages. Michael, Uscar’s number 13, was shown a yellow card before leaving the field in tears as a precaution, due to a suspected concussion.
In the 29th minute, Hery Zhinot allowed Cosfa to take the lead for the first time with a drop goal (9-8). In the 37th minute, they scored their first try, which was not converted, to lead 14-8. However, Uscar reacted immediately and scored in the 39th minute. At halftime, Uscar led 15-14.
The second half began at 4:27 PM. Cosfa regained the lead in the 42nd minute with a drop goal (17-15), then extended the gap three minutes later with a second drop goal (20-15). Uscar did not give up and reduced the deficit with a penalty (18-20), before taking the lead again in the 56th minute with another try: 25-20.
The military team came back to within two points in the 63rd minute (23-25), then obtained another penalty in the 69th minute. Successfully converted, it allowed Cosfa to take the lead for good, 26-25.
Cosfa returns to the national throne after a particularly contested final. For Noé Mboazafy Rakotoarivelo, the military team’s coach, this coronation has a special dimension. “It was a very difficult match and truly a final-worthy battle. It is an honor for the club to reclaim the national throne,” he emphasized.
The coach also recalled the objective set at the start of the season: “We made a bet to win the title to pay tribute to coach Rija Randrianarison, who passed away in 2025. The mission is accomplished, big brother. We dedicate this title to your honor, you can rest in peace.” He finally expressed his thanks to “the entire Cosfa family without distinction.”
On the Uscar side, the disappointment is inevitably great. Coach Coco, whose real name is Jacquôt Harinirina, regrets the missed opportunities: “The three penalties we missed cost us dearly. But that’s the game. The players gave everything, but luck was not on our side.”
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-07 06:09:00 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/rugby-xv-finale-top-12-cosfa-lemporte.html