Madagascar: FOOTBALL – FRIENDLIES – Several expatriate executives missing from the lineup

The Barea will have four days to prepare for the two friendly matches against Burundians and Rwandans. The final list should be unveiled on Tuesday.

The eleven local players and some expatriates conducted the first training session. These include Arnaud Randrianantenaina from El Gouna FC and El Hadary Raheriniaina from Saint-Michel United, as well as two expatriates from La Réunion, namely Toky Randriantsiferana aka “Tsiry” from Saint-Paul and Rajo Razafindrabearimianta from Saint-Denis.

This first training camp is part of the preparation for the friendly matches against Burundi and Rwanda on March 22 and 25 at Mahamasina. In addition to the three expatriates not available revealed by the coach on Sunday, namely Seha Sayah, Carolus Andriamahitsinoro, and Kenny Lala, the technician added others yesterday, including former key players like Hakim Abdalah from Dinamo Bucharest, Fabien Boyer from JS Saint-Pierre, Romain Metanire from Spokane Velocity, Loïc Lapoussin from Union Saint-Gilloise, and Marco Ilaimaharitra from SC Charleroi.

“I cannot confirm anything for the others as negotiations are ongoing beyond my capabilities… I was informed on Sunday night of the unavailability of some of them. That’s why I didn’t confirm the arrival of expatriates other than the three mentioned on Sunday,” said coach Rôrô.

In the dark

“I am always ready to give my best for the nation,” said Arnaud, captain of the Egyptian club, called up to the A selection since the friendly matches in Morocco and the two World Cup qualifiers against Ghana and Chad. “I always respond to the coach’s call and I am ready to defend the national colors. After my knee injury, I resumed competition since the final phase of the Madagascar Cup… There will be no competition between us, the goalkeepers. On the contrary, we are a team and we have a common goal to seek victory together for the team,” said Elgeco Plus goalkeeper Nina Rakotoasimbola.

Three players from La Réunion, Ando Manoelantsoa from JS Saint-Pierre, Baggio Rakotoarisoa from Jeanne d’Arc, and Rojolalaina Andriamanjato from Saint-Paul, arrived yesterday afternoon. Other European players were expected to arrive yesterday, in the night, including Rayan Raveloson from AJ Auxerre. Budoni Calcio defender Louis Démoleon will arrive last, tonight.

Without those who will not come, the final list, which should be published today, will be completed with twenty-five players. The Rwandan delegation arrived yesterday afternoon, and the Burundian and Botswanan delegations will arrive this afternoon.

Serge Rasanda