Madagascar will face South Africa in the second round of the qualifiers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, with matches scheduled for early October.
A tough challenge lies ahead. Following their first-round victory against South Sudan, the Barea Ladies will take on the South Africans. The Barea will play the Banyana Banyana in the first leg on October 9 at the Free State Stadium (Toyota Stadium) in Bloemfontein, South Africa, with the return leg scheduled at the same venue on October 13. South Africa is a major football power in Africa, and the Banyana Banyana recently reached the quarterfinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Barea Ladies are expected to begin their training camp soon. “The federation’s executive committee should finalize the preparation program in the coming days. All players pre-selected for the first round in June will be called up,” said coach Auguste Raux. “The first week will be dedicated to testing and selection, followed immediately by technical and tactical preparation.”
The level of the upcoming opponent is undeniably very high. Coach Raux, who also leads the 2025 national champion and cup winner Elgeco Plus, noted that there will be minor adjustments to the squad based on the current form of each player.
The Madagascar national team narrowly qualified for the second round in early June. After a goalless draw at home against the Bright Starlets of South Sudan on June 6, they secured a 1-0 victory in the return leg with a stoppage-time goal (93rd minute) on June 9.
Thirty-five national teams are competing in the CAF zone qualifiers for the 34th Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028. The qualification process consists of five rounds, with the subsequent rounds scheduled for next year. Only the two finalists will secure tickets to the Olympics.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-04 05:53:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/football-feminin-qualifications-jo-2028.html