The Malagasy Football Federation (FMF) has appointed Gilles Hugon as interim coach of the Barea for their final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying match against Comoros. The game is set to take place on Monday, November 18, in Morocco.
Hugon steps into the role after the resignation of head coach Romuald Rakotondrabe, who announced his departure following Madagascar’s 3-2 defeat to Tunisia on matchday five.
While the FMF has yet to formally address Rakotondrabe’s resignation, a decision on his future will be made during an upcoming federation meeting.
For now, Hugon has been entrusted with guiding the team through their final fixture, a match that holds no implications for Madagascar, as they have already been eliminated from the race for AFCON 2025 qualification.
Gilles Hugon is a well-known figure in Malagasy football, boasting significant experience within the national setup.
The UEFA A-licensed coach has served as assistant coach for the Barea since 2023, contributing to various competitions, including the Island Games and the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Hugon has also been involved in Madagascar’s international friendlies and earlier stages of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
His familiarity with the players and understanding of the local football landscape position him well to navigate this transitional period for the team.
Previously, Hugon held the role of technical director at the National Academy of Carion from 2013 to 2015, further solidifying his credentials in Malagasy football development.
As the Barea prepare for their clash with Comoros, the outcome will have no bearing on the standings in Group A.
Madagascar sits at the bottom of the group with just two points from five matches.
Comoros, with nine points, has already secured qualification alongside group leaders Tunisia, who have 10 points.
While the match serves as a formality for Madagascar, it provides an opportunity for Hugon to lead the team and for the players to restore some pride after a challenging campaign.
The FMF’s decision to appoint Hugon underscores the need for stability within the team as they look ahead to rebuilding for future competitions, including the continuation of their World Cup qualifying campaign.
