The Malagasy national team is preparing meticulously for their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations appearance in Egypt 2019, with a detailed program featuring three training camps and three friendly matches.
The preparation kicks off on May 31 with the first training camp in France, a familiar destination for Madagascar’s expatriate players ahead of major tournaments. During this period, the Barea will face Luxembourg in their opening friendly on Sunday, June 2, before returning to Paris for a second match against Kenya on Friday, June 7.
Following their European camp, Madagascar will return home for a second training session. “This will be an opportunity to meet the Malagasy public before flying to Egypt,” said head coach Nicolas Dupuis, highlighting the importance of connecting with local fans while maintaining fitness and team cohesion.
To finalize their preparation, the Barea will hold a third training camp in Morocco, designed to help players acclimatize to the summer conditions in Egypt. This camp will also feature a friendly against Mauritania, who, like Madagascar, will make their AFCON debut. Assistant coach Franklin Andriamanarivo emphasized the focus of these camps: “Our players already have enough matches under their belts and are in good form, knowing that they will have played a full season by the end of May. The main focus after that will be strengthening team cohesion and refining our teamwork during these three training camps.”
Madagascar qualified for the tournament after a decisive victory over Equatorial Guinea, thanks to a goal by Njiva Rakotoharimalala. Drawn into Group B, the Barea will face Nigeria, Guinea, and Burundi, aiming to make a strong impression in their historic first appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations. With careful planning and intensive preparation, Madagascar hopes to rise to the occasion and compete at the highest level.
