The Barea U23 team continues its preparation for the home and away matches against the South African national team. These matches are part of the second round of the U23 AFCON qualifiers.
The local pre-selected players for the U23 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers have entered their fourth week of training. Initially led by coach Herimanitra Rabeharisoa, known as “Hery Be,” the group has been under the guidance of head coach Boualem Mankour and his assistant Johan Paul for over a week.
The Barea will face the South Africans in the second round of qualifiers, with the first leg scheduled for November 9 and the return leg for November 17. Madagascar was exempted from the first round following the withdrawal of the Comoros. “I believe the Barea U23 can trouble the South Africans,” coach Mankour asserted.
Last week, the squad focused on individual and collective defense through pressing exercises. Sessions were also dedicated to positioning and mental preparation. “We are the underdogs against the South Africans. That is fine, we are taking it into account in our preparation,” the Franco-Algerian technician emphasized. He remains confident, stating, “The match hasn’t started yet. The chances remain equal, and we will play with our own strengths.”
Mankour and his staff aim to maximize the players’ qualities, particularly their attacking spirit. The head coach estimates the group’s progress at 25% so far, with strengthening the cohesion between expatriate and local players remaining a key mission. Since the start of the camp, the team has played two test matches, defeating the Moramanga selection 4-1 and Uscafoot 5-0.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-12 06:09:10 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/football-can-u23-les-barea-en-outsider.html