Madagascar’s latest outing did not allow the team to turn the situation around. Facing Tunisia, one of the strongest teams in Group B, the Malagasy selection suffered a heavy 20-62 defeat at the African Cadet Handball Championship currently taking place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
After two days of competition, the cadet Akio have recorded two defeats in as many matches, finishing in fourth and last place in Group B with zero points. This second match was primarily an opportunity for the young Malagasy players to test themselves against a team accustomed to continental tournaments. Faced with an offensively efficient Tunisia, the Akio struggled to contain their opponents’ attacks. The final score of 62 goals conceded against 20 scored highlights the difficulties faced by the Malagasy defense and their lack of offensive efficiency.
The provisional standings after two days of competition have clarified the situation in the various groups. In Group C, Rwanda and Libya drew 36-36. In Group D, Guinea dominated Zambia 40-11, while Côte d’Ivoire narrowly defeated Burundi 28-27.
For Madagascar, this participation has mainly allowed the young Akio to gain experience at the highest African level in their category. While the sporting record remains difficult, these matches provide a benchmark for the work still needed before future international events.
A club coach who has been champion of Madagascar multiple times, wishing to remain anonymous, was highly critical of the federation’s choice to send a technician to accompany the cadet Akio: “How can we expect good results with a national team without a coach who has the level to lead a national team in an African championship? It is a league president who is supervising our Akio in Abidjan. I am sounding the alarm so that everyone stays in their place.”
The heavy defeat against Tunisia proves that Madagascar is far from the African level and needs to revise all the necessary techniques and experiences before facing African nations that are far ahead in all aspects of the game.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-19 06:23:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/handball-championnat-dafrique-cadet-les.html