Madagascar national football team facts for kids
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Nickname(s) | Barea | |||||||
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Association | Fédération Malagasy de Football | |||||||
Confederation | CAF (Africa) | |||||||
Sub-confederation | COSAFA (Southern Africa) |
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Head coach | Nicolas Dupuis | |||||||
Captain | Anicet Abel | |||||||
Most caps | Paulin Voavy (66) | |||||||
Top scorer | Paulin Voavy (15) | |||||||
Home stadium | Mahamasina Stadium Rabemananjara Stadium |
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FIFA code | MAD | |||||||
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FIFA ranking | ||||||||
Current | 107 ![]() |
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Highest | 74 (December 1992) | |||||||
Lowest | 190 (March 2014) | |||||||
Elo ranking | ||||||||
Current | 121 ![]() |
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Highest | 64 (December 1964) | |||||||
Lowest | 167 (April 2007) | |||||||
First international | ||||||||
![]() ![]() (Madagascar; Date Unknown 1947) |
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Biggest win | ||||||||
![]() ![]() (Antananarivo, Madagascar; 19 April 1960) |
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Biggest defeat | ||||||||
![]() ![]() (Réunion; 31 July 1952) ![]() ![]() (Congo; 18 July 1965) |
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Africa Cup of Nations | ||||||||
Appearances | 1 (first in 2019) | |||||||
Best result | Quarter-finals (2019) | |||||||
COSAFA Cup | ||||||||
Appearances | 11 (first in 2002) | |||||||
Best result | Third place (2015) | |||||||
Medal record
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The Madagascar national football team, nicknamed Barea after the island's zebu, is the national team of Madagascar and is controlled by the Malagasy Football Federation. It has never qualified for the finals of the World Cup. It took part in its first Africa Cup of Nations in 2019. Among its biggest wins was a 1–0 home victory over Egypt in the qualification rounds of the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations until being surpassed by a recent 2–0 win over Nigeria in the group stage of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Reflecting the official name of the country at the time, the team was known as the Malagasy Republic national football team between 1958 and 1975.
Contents
History
Madagascar made its debut in 1947 in a home match against Mauritius which was lost 2–1. The game was part of a Triangulaire tournament between Madagascar, Mauritius and Reunion. Madagascar's second match was at home to Reunion and saw their first ever win, 4–2. The triangular tournament was staged every year until 1958, and Madagascar's highest-scoring game was on 13 July 1953 when they beat Reunion 6–4 at home. Their worst loss was on 31 July 1952 when they lost 7–0 to Mauritius in Reunion.
Madagascar played against opposition different from Mauritius or Reunion for the first time in 1960, as part of a tournament between French-speaking nations held on the island. In their first match on 15 April 1960 they beat the Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso) 6–1. The second game was a quarter-final against France's amateur side on 17 April and was lost 2–1. On 19 April Madagascar beat the Congo 8–1 in the third-place play-off.
In April 1963, Madagascar entered another competition for French-speaking countries, this time in Senegal, and was placed in a group with Dahomey (now Benin), Liberia and Chad. They opened with a 1–0 win over Dahomey on 11 April, and then beat Chad 2–1 on 13 April and Liberia 3–1 on 15 April. In the semi-finals, Madagascar were beaten 2–1 by Tunisia on 19 April, and then lost 4–1 to France's amateur team in the third-place play-off on 21 April.
In September 1963 the Triangulaire between Madagascar, Reunion and Mauritius was reinstated for the first time since 1958. On 15 September they beat Reunion 6–1 at home, and on 18 September drew 1–1 to Mauritius in a home game which was abandoned.
On 16 October 2018, Madagascar qualified to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history, after they won 1–0 against Equatorial Guinea. During their debut match against Guinea on 22 June 2019, Anicet Abel scored Madagascar's first-ever AFCON goal and secured their first point of the competition with a 2–2 draw against Guinea. The team defeated Burundi in their second match and followed it up with a 2–0 victory over the Super Eagles of Nigeria to top Group B. Then Madagascar advanced to quarter-finals after beating DR Congo in the round of 16. The team's successful performance was coined by pundits as the Iceland of Africa, resembling the shockingly successful debut of Iceland in UEFA Euro 2016. However, Madagascar's dream ended abruptly after suffering a 0–3 defeat at the hand of another former champion, Tunisia.
Fixtures and results
The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.
2021
2022 FIFA World Cup qualification 11 November | Benin ![]() |
2–0 | ![]() |
Cotonou, Benin | ||
17:00 UTC+1 | https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/worldcup/qatar2022/qualifiers/caf/match-center/400209504 | Stadium: Stade de l'Amitié Referee: Bakary Gassama (Gambia) |
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2022 FIFA World Cup qualification 14 November | Madagascar ![]() |
1–1 | ![]() |
Antananarivo, Madagascar | ||
16:00 UTC+3 | https://www.fifa.com/tournaments/mens/worldcup/qatar2022/qualifiers/caf/match-center/400209502 | Stadium: Mahamasina Municipal Stadium Referee: Messie Nkounkou (Republic of Congo) |
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2022
Friendly 24 March | Madagascar ![]() |
Cancelled | ![]() |
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2023 AFCON qualification 1 June | Ghana ![]() |
3–0 | ![]() |
Cape Coast, Ghana | ||
19:00 UTC±0 | https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2022/06/01/africa/africa-cup-of-nations-qualification/ghana/madagascar/3783008/ | Stadium: Cape Coast Sports Stadium Referee: Mahamadou Kéïta (Mali) |
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2023 AFCON qualification 5 June | Madagascar ![]() |
1–1 | ![]() |
Antananarivo, Madagascar | ||
19:00 | https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2022/06/05/africa/africa-cup-of-nations-qualification/madagascar/angola/3783010/ | Stadium: Mahamasina Municipal Stadium Referee: Thando Ndzandzeka (South Africa) |
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2022 COSAFA Cup 12 July 2022 | Madagascar ![]() |
0–2 | ![]() |
KwaMashu | ||
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Stadium: Princess Magogo Stadium |
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COSAFA Plate SF 15 July | Madagascar ![]() |
1–2 | ![]() |
Durban, South Africa | ||
Stadium: Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium |
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2023 AFCON qualification September | Madagascar ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Madagascar | ||
https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2022/09/19/africa/africa-cup-of-nations-qualification/madagascar/central-african-republic/3783013/ | ||||||
2023 AFCON qualification September | Central African Republic ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Central African Republic | ||
https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2022/09/27/africa/africa-cup-of-nations-qualification/central-african-republic/madagascar/3783015/ | ||||||
2023
2023 AFCON qualification March | Madagascar ![]() |
v | ![]() |
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2023 AFCON qualification March | Angola ![]() |
v | ![]() |
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Coaching history
Peter Schnittger (1978–1985)
Justin Rasoloharimahefa (1994)
Claude "Ntsoa" Ravelomanantsoa (–2001)
Vincent Randriamirado (2001)
Jeremia Randriambololona (2001)
Hans Heiniger (2002–2003)
Hervé Arsène (2007–2008)
Mickael Nivoson Andrianasy (2008)
Jeremia Randriambololona (2008)
Jean-Paul Rabier (2010–2011)
Mosa (2011)
Frank Rajaonarisamba (2011–2012)
Auguste Raux (2012–2014)
Frank Rajaonarisamba (2014–2016)
Auguste Raux (2016–2017)
Nicolas Dupuis (2017–2021)
Éric Rabésandratana (2021–2022)
Nicolas Dupuis (2022–present)
Players
Current squad
The following players were called up for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches against Ghana and Angola on 1 and 5 June 2022.
Caps and goals updated after the match against Angola on 5 June 2022.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
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GK | Melvin Adrien | 30 August 1993 | 20 | 0 | ![]() |
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GK | Nina Razakanirina | 14 October 1999 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
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GK | Mathyas Randriamamy | 23 April 2003 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Jérôme Mombris | 27 November 1987 | 24 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Thomas Fontaine | 8 May 1991 | 23 | 1 | ![]() |
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DF | Tantely Randrianiana | 13 February 1989 | 18 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Rajo Razafindrabe | 23 March 1997 | 6 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Fabien Boyer | 12 April 1991 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Sylvio Ouassiero | 7 May 1994 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Dorian Bertrand | 21 May 1993 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Rémy Vita | 1 April 2001 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
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MF | Ibrahim Amada | 28 February 1990 | 35 | 2 | ![]() |
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MF | Rayan Raveloson | 16 January 1997 | 20 | 2 | ![]() |
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MF | Anicet Abel (captain) | 13 March 1990 | 19 | 3 | ![]() |
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MF | Marco Ilaimaharitra | 26 July 1995 | 19 | 2 | ![]() |
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MF | Loïc Lapoussin | 27 March 1996 | 11 | 0 | ![]() |
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MF | Rojolalaina Andraiamanjato | 11 August 1992 | 7 | 1 | ![]() |
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MF | Bastien Héry | 23 March 1992 | 7 | 0 | ![]() |
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MF | Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa | 10 March 1998 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
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FW | Paulin Voavy | 10 November 1987 | 65 | 14 | ![]() |
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FW | Njiva Rakotoharimalala | 6 August 1992 | 46 | 12 | ![]() |
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FW | Carolus Andriamatsinoro | 6 July 1989 | 44 | 11 | ![]() |
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FW | Fabrice Rakotondraibe | 17 August 1993 | 10 | 1 | ![]() |
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FW | Arnaud Randrianantenaina | 3 January 2001 | 9 | 2 | ![]() |
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FW | Alexandre Ramalingom | 17 March 1993 | 5 | 2 | ![]() |
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FW | Julio Donisa | 15 January 1994 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
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FW | Tsilavina Fanomezantsoa | 21 July 1999 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
Recent call-ups
The following players have been called up for Madagascar in the last year.
Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
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GK | Razakanirina Rakotoasimbola | 14 October 1999 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
GK | Yannick Pandor | 1 May 2001 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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DF | Gervais Randrianarisoa | 7 November 1984 | 51 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Pascal Razakanantenaina | 19 April 1987 | 41 | 2 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Romain Métanire | 28 March 1990 | 22 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Jérémy Morel | 2 April 1984 | 12 | 1 | Retired | v. ![]() |
DF | Nomena Andriantiana | 6 February 2000 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Jules Solonantenaina | 7 March 1999 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Théodin Ramanjary | 16 August 1996 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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MF | Lalaïna Nomenjanahary | 16 January 1986 | 47 | 5 | Retired | v. ![]() |
MF | Tsiry Razafindrasata | 14 September 1995 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Zotsara Randriambololona | 22 April 1994 | 21 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Dimitry Caloin | 8 May 1990 | 11 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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FW | Hakim Abdallah | 9 January 1998 | 10 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Henri Charles Gladyson | 26 April 1989 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Koloina Razafidranaivo | 25 March 2000 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DEC Player refused to join the team after the call-up. |
Records
- Players in bold are still active with Madagascar.
Most appearances
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Top goalscorers
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Competitive record
FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup record | FIFA World Cup qualification record | ||||||||||||||||
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Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GR | ||
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Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | |||||||||||||||
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Did not enter | Did not enter | |||||||||||||||
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Withdrew | Withdrew | |||||||||||||||
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Did not enter | Did not enter | |||||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | details | |||||||||
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | details | ||||||||||
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Did not enter | Did not enter | |||||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 3 | details | |||||||||
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2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | details | ||||||||||
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10 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 16 | details | ||||||||||
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2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | details | ||||||||||
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8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 9 | details | ||||||||||
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | details | ||||||||||
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4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 7 | details | ||||||||||
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6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 9 | details | ||||||||||
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To be determined | To be determined | |||||||||||||||
Total | – | 0/21 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 42 | 13 | 9 | 20 | 46 | 60 | – |
Africa Cup of Nations
Africa Cup of Nations record | Africa Cup of Nations qualification record | |||||||||||||||
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Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | GR | |
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Not affiliated to CAF | Not affiliated to CAF | ||||||||||||||
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Did not enter | Did not enter | ||||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 | details | ||||||||
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | details | |||||||||
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Withdrew | Withdrew | ||||||||||||||
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Did not enter | Did not enter | ||||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | details | ||||||||
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4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 7 | details | |||||||||
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4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | details | |||||||||
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2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | details | |||||||||
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | details | |||||||||
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Withdrew | Withdrew | ||||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | details | ||||||||
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Did not enter | Did not enter | ||||||||||||||
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Withdrew during qualifiers | Withdrew during qualifiers | ||||||||||||||
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Banned for withdrawal from qualifiers in 1996 | Banned for withdrawal from qualifiers in 1996 | ||||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 12 | details | ||||||||
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8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 8 | details | |||||||||
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4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 8 | details | |||||||||
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2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | details | |||||||||
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4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 14 | details | |||||||||
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8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 9 | details | |||||||||
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6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 14 | details | |||||||||
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2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 7 | details | |||||||||
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | details | |||||||||
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6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 12 | details | |||||||||
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Quarter-finals | 6th | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 12 | 10 | details | |
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Did not qualify | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 9 | details | ||||||||
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To be determined | To be determined | ||||||||||||||
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Total | Quarter-finals | 1/33 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 87 | 26 | 20 | 41 | 89 | 146 | – |
African Nations Championship
African Games
African Games record | ||||||||
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Year | Result | GP | W | D | L | GS | GA | |
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Total | 2/4 |
Indian Ocean Island Games
COSAFA Cup
See also
In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Madagascar para niños