Madagascar will begin its U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Comoros in less than a month. The competition also serves as a qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
With just over three weeks until their debut, the Barea U23 team is intensifying preparations. To avoid sanctions from international governing bodies, Madagascar is committed to participating in the U23 AFCON qualifiers.
The Barea U23 will face the Comorian Coelacanthes in the first preliminary round, with the first leg scheduled for September 28 and the return leg on October 6.
“We no longer have time for long training camps or scouting players in the regions as we did in 2021-2022. We are continuously monitoring high-level young expatriates, their transfers, playing time, and injuries,” said Solonirina Raharijaona, the newly appointed Team Manager by the Malagasy Football Federation.
More than twenty expatriate players are already on the shortlist. The team will likely be built around a core of these players. “The squad should consist of players whose level is close to that of the senior national team. We need players who are ready and competitive,” he explained.
The same requirements apply to local players, with only those meeting age criteria and playing in the elite Pure Play Football League being considered.
The Team Manager and his assistant, Hery Nirina Jacques Landry Ralison, are tasked with quickly assembling the technical staff and selecting scouts for both domestic and international players. The staff is expected to include former international players from three different generations, with details to be unveiled by this weekend.
If they qualify against Comoros, the Barea will face South Africa in the second round, with matches scheduled for November 9 and 17.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-02 05:53:58 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/football-qualifications-can-u23-les.html