Madagascar hand Boucher and Ferber first call-ups for AFCON 2027 qualifiers
Madagascar coach Corentin Martins has handed first international call-ups to goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher and striker Roman Ferber for the opening two matches of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers.
The Barea begin their campaign with a difficult trip to face Nigeria on 25 September before hosting Tanzania four days later as they seek to return to the continental finals after missing the previous edition.
Martins has named a 25-man squad for the two fixtures, with Warren Caddy returning to the national set-up to strengthen an attack that also includes Hakim Abdallah and Arnaud Randrianantenaina.
Madagascar will hope to carry momentum from their recent performances at the African Nations Championship (CHAN), where they reached the final, into their AFCON qualifying campaign.
Boucher and Ferber handed opportunities
Boucher's inclusion provides another option in goal alongside Geordan Dupire and Nina Rakotoasimbola.
The ESTAC goalkeeper is receiving his first senior call-up and will have an opportunity to establish himself in Martins' plans during the international window.
Ferber is the other newcomer. The Atert Bissen striker joins an attacking group featuring Abdallah, Caddy, El Hadary Raheriniaina, Randrianantenaina and Nicolas Fontaine.
The return of Caddy gives Martins an additional experienced attacking option as the Barea prepare for two contrasting assignments.
Their opening match takes them away to Nigeria and a meeting with the Super Eagles, before Madagascar return home for their second qualifier against Tanzania's Taifa Stars on 29 September.
Experienced core retained
Martins has retained several established members of the national team as he looks for a positive start to the qualifying campaign.
Midfielders Marco Ilaimaharitra and Rayan Raveloson are among the more familiar names, alongside Loïc Lapoussin.
Behaja Randriamalala, Andy Rakotondrajoa and Nicolas Randriamanampisoa complete the six-man midfield selection.
There is also significant competition in defence, where Martins has selected 10 players.
Andy Pelmard and experienced defender Thomas Fontaine are included alongside Mathieu Acapandié, Ehsan Kari, Sandro Tremoulet and Rado Rabemanantsoa.
Ryan Ponti, Morgan Jean Pierre, Bono Rabearivelo and Tony Randriamanampisoa complete the defensive contingent.
Barea seek return to continental finals
The opening qualifiers offer Madagascar an opportunity to begin rebuilding towards another appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Barea missed out on the previous AFCON but their run to the CHAN final provided renewed encouragement and demonstrated the country's ability to compete on the continental stage.
The challenge will now be to translate that momentum into the senior AFCON qualifiers, beginning with one of the more demanding away fixtures in African football against Nigeria.
Four days later they will face Tanzania, giving Martins and his players little recovery time between their opening two matches.
With two newcomers added to an established core and Caddy returning to the attack, Madagascar will hope the blend can provide the start they need as they target a place at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027.
Madagascar squad
Goalkeepers: Zacharie Boucher, Geordan Dupire, Nina Rakotoasimbola.
Defenders: Rado Rabemanantsoa, Mathieu Acapandié, 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, Loïc Lapoussin, Nicolas Randriamanampisoa.
Forwards: El Hadary Raheriniaina, Hakim Abdallah, Arnaud Randrianantenaina, Roman Ferber, Warren Caddy, Nicolas Fontaine.