Expanding the Barea’s talent pool, identifying new profiles, and filling positions deemed insufficiently covered are key missions for head coach Corentin Martins. These scouting efforts for players based abroad are funded by the Malagasy Football Federation (FMF), which provides a subsidy to help him identify players capable of strengthening the national team.
For the first two matchdays of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, this scouting led to the call-ups of striker Roman Ferber and goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher. However, Boucher will not join the squad following a Federation decision linked to comments he made in 2018 that recently resurfaced. A replacement for the goalkeeper is currently being sought, just days before the Barea face Nigeria.
Alfred Randriamanampisoa, President of the FMF, explained in an interview on September 17th: “This is a permanent scouting mission conducted by the coach, for which the Federation grants him a subsidy throughout the year to allow him to identify players he deems useful for strengthening the Madagascar Barea.”
Regarding the controversy surrounding Zacharie Boucher, the FMF issued a statement on September 19th, 2026, noting that after discussions, it was decided not to retain the player for the upcoming gathering due to public statements made years ago, at a time when he was unaware of his eligibility to represent Madagascar.
The Barea are scheduled to face Nigeria on September 25th and Tanzania on September 29th in Morocco. As Tanzania is already qualified as a host nation, Madagascar is competing for the remaining qualifying spot in their group against Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-22 11:08:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.2424.mg/alfred-randriamanampisoa-la-federation-octroie-une-sorte-de-subvention-au-selectionneur-pour-lui-permettre-de-reperer-des-joueurs/