Zacharie Boucher included in Madagascar squad eight years after rejecting call-up

Zacharie Boucher has been named in Madagascar’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, eight years after publicly ruling out the possibility of playing for the Barea.

The Troyes goalkeeper, who was promoted to Ligue 1 this season, is included among the 25 players selected by Corentin Martins and could make his international debut against Nigeria on 25 September.

Boucher’s selection is the biggest surprise in the Madagascar squad. In autumn 2018, when he was being considered as a potential addition to the national team, he told Ouest-France: “I am French, I have never been Malagasy.”

At the time, Boucher said he did not intend to represent any country other than France, having played for several of their youth teams. His previous comments amounted to a public refusal rather than an earlier appearance for Madagascar, with CAF listing the 2026 call-up as his first senior selection for the Barea.

The 34-year-old has not yet publicly explained why his position has changed. For now, the confirmed fact is that he has been included in Martins’ squad.

Boucher’s experience in French football gives the coach another option in goal. Geordan Dupire and Nina Rakotoasimbola complete the goalkeeping group.

It remains to be seen whether Boucher will join the training camp and whether he will be selected to play.

Martins has also handed a first call-up to forward Roman Ferber, while Warren Caddy returns to the squad. Marco Ilaimaharitra, Rayan Raveloson and Loic Lapoussin are among the established players retained.

Madagascar begin their campaign away to the Super Eagles, who include Victor Osimhen, before hosting Tanzania on 29 September. The Barea missed the last Africa Cup of Nations and face a demanding start to their qualifying campaign.

Their run to the 2025 CHAN final has nevertheless provided renewed momentum for Malagasy football. The Barea A’ secured a historic place in the final by scoring in the 116th minute against Sudan, although that competition and the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers involve different squads.

Boucher’s inclusion could therefore increase competition for places in goal, as well as marking a significant change from his position in 2018.

Madagascar squad

Goalkeepers: Zacharie Boucher, Geordan Dupire, Nina Rakotoasimbola.

Defenders: Rado Rabemanantsoa, Mathieu Acapandie, Ehsan Kari, Andy Pelmard, Sandro Tremoulet, Thomas Fontaine, Ryan Ponti, Morgan Jean Pierre, Bono Rabearivelo, Tony Randriamanampisoa.

Midfielders: Marco Ilaimaharitra, Rayan Raveloson, Behaja Randriamalala, Andy Rakotondrajoa, Loic Lapoussin, Nicolas Randriamanampisoa.

Forwards: El Hadary Raheriniaina, Hakim Abdallah, Arnaud Randrianantenaina, Roman Ferber, Warren Caddy, Nicolas Fontaine.