Madagascar will face South Africa this Friday and next Tuesday in Bloemfontein, as part of the second round of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifiers.
It is a difficult stage. The delegation, composed of twenty-three Barea Ladies, flew to South Africa yesterday. The protégées of coach Auguste Raux will play the first and second legs of the second round of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifiers against the South Africans starting this Friday. The first leg will take place this Friday, October 9, at the Free State Stadium (Toyota Stadium) in Bloemfontein, and the return leg will be held on Tuesday, October 13, at the same venue. The Banyana Banyana are significantly superior on paper, as they are accustomed to such high-level international encounters.
South Africa has played in six Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals. The Banyana Banyana were crowned champions in 2022 in Morocco and have won the silver medal five times (1995, 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018). The Rainbow Nation also took bronze in 2006 and 2010. The Barea, for their part, were eliminated in the group stages during their last two appearances at the Cosafa Cup.
For this double confrontation, coach Auguste Raux has reshuffled his squad by integrating six new recruits, including forwards and midfielders. “These new recruits are capable of joining the team without any complex,” argued Auguste Raux.
“South Africa is a great African football nation that should not be underestimated. The videos we watched have proven it. We have worked and strengthened our defense as much as possible. We will obviously try to optimize our attack and counter-attack opportunities,” emphasized the Elgeco Plus club technician, Auguste Raux.
The Barea secured their ticket to the second round by eliminating South Sudan with a 1-0 aggregate score in the first round at the beginning of June. The Barea and the Bright Stars drew 0-0 in the first leg on June 6. The Malagasy team then snatched a last-minute victory in the return leg on June 9, thanks to a goal scored in stoppage time (1-0).
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-08 05:38:59 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/football-feminin-qualifications-jo-les.html