Madagascar's Corentin Martins Reveals Squad for AFCON Qualifiers

Corentin Martins, the head coach of the Madagascar National Football Team, has named a 25-man squad for the opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign against Nigeria and Tanzania. The squad was finalized from an initial 55-man provisional list, with many players selected from abroad alongside some from the Malagasy domestic league.

Madagascar will face Nigeria's Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, followed by a match against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars four days later. Martins is set to commence the team's training camp over the weekend in preparation for these fixtures.

The squad includes goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher from ESTAC, defenders Andy Pelmard (Clermont Foot), Sandro Tremoulet (Karlsruher SC), Thomas Fontaine (Goal FC), and Ryan Ponti (Rodez Aveyron Football). Midfielders include Marco Ilaimaharitra (Standard Liège), Rayan Raveloson (Amed SK), Behaja Randriamalala (US Monastir), and Loïc Lapoussin (GX Hengchen).

The attacking lineup features El Hadary Raheriniaina (AS Nancy), Hakim Abdallah (UTA Arad), Arnaud Randrianantenaina (Gloria Bistrița), Roman Ferber (Atert Bissen), Warren Caddy (Randers FC), and Nicolas Fontaine (FC Septemvr).