The opponents for CFFA and FC Rouge in the first preliminary round of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) interclub competitions have been revealed, one month before the first leg matches.
The Centre de Formation de Football d’Andoharanofotsy (CFFA), the two-time Madagascar champion (2022, 2026), will face Lesotho’s reigning champion, Lijabatho FC, in the CAF Champions League. This relatively new club from Morija recently joined the Lesotho Premier League and immediately secured the national title.
“Football in Lesotho is evolving rapidly, and we will not underestimate this team. We have been preparing for several weeks, and all new reinforcements have joined the group,” said CFFA coach Franck Rajaonarisamba. The club has brought in six new players, including four from Disciples FC and two from Elgeco Plus. Striker Gregas will miss the campaign due to a potential transfer to Al Merrikh SC.
Due to the lack of approved stadiums in Madagascar, CFFA is expected to play its home leg in Mauritius. The first leg is scheduled for September 4-6, with the return leg on September 11-13.
Meanwhile, Madagascar Cup winner FC Rouge will face Zambia’s Red Arrows FC. FC Rouge will play the first leg away, before hosting the return leg, likely in Mauritius. FC Rouge president Hasina Rakotondramiara emphasized the need for serious preparation against the three-time Zambian champions. The team has recruited six reinforcements and resumed training under coach Fenosoa Ratolojanahary.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-07 05:53:47 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/football-interclubs-caf-lijabatho-pour.html