Having qualified for the final phase of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history, Madagascar is determined to approach this historic debut with serious and well-structured preparation. Aware of the scale of the challenge that awaits in Egypt, the Malagasy national team is leaving nothing to chance as it builds toward the tournament.
Coached by Frenchman Nicolas Dupuis, the Barea have chosen France as the base for their pre-tournament training camp. According to France Football, the team will be based in Lisses, in the Essonne region. This location is well known for hosting international teams and offers modern facilities, high-quality pitches, and an environment conducive to focused and professional preparation.
The decision to train in France reflects the Malagasy Football Federation’s desire to provide optimal working conditions for the squad ahead of its first appearance at Africa’s biggest football event. It will also allow coach Nicolas Dupuis and his staff to work closely with the players on tactical organization, physical conditioning, and team cohesion, all of which will be crucial for a team entering the competition as newcomers.
As part of this preparation camp, Madagascar have scheduled two international friendly matches to test their readiness. The first will take place on June 2 against Luxembourg. This fixture will offer the Barea an early opportunity to regain match rhythm, evaluate player combinations, and measure themselves against European opposition in a controlled environment.
The second friendly match is scheduled for June 7 against Kenya, another team preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations in France. This encounter will be particularly instructive, as it will pit two AFCON participants against each other in a competitive setting. The match will allow both sides to assess their level and make final adjustments ahead of the tournament.
For Madagascar, these friendly matches will play a vital role in helping the coaching staff finalize the squad and identify the best tactical approach. They will also help the players gain confidence and experience as they prepare to represent their country on the continental stage for the first time.
This historic qualification has already sparked great enthusiasm among Malagasy supporters, and expectations are high despite the team’s newcomer status. With a training camp in France and carefully chosen friendly matches, Madagascar hopes to arrive in Egypt well prepared, confident, and ready to make a positive impression at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
