The Barea will face the Coelacanthes of the Comoros tonight, a match for honor on behalf of the last day of the qualifications for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN).
For Barea of Madagascar, this match will be an opportunity to end these qualifications on a positive note, after a campaign marked by disappointing results. Their elimination was already confirmed after they lost against Tunisia (3-2) on the fifth day, ending their hopes of qualification. For Comorians, the situation is very different. Already qualified for CAN 2025 after winning against Gambia (2-1), they approach this final match with a guarantee of a place in the continental competition, but also with ‘ desire to expand the positive energy. If qualification is out of reach for Madagascar, Barea’s interim coach Gilles Hugon remains determined to honor his team and supporters.. “Despite the fact that we are no longer qualified, there are still goals. he stressed before the meeting. “The first is to score points so you don’t lose places in the FIFA rankings. The second goal is to finish these qualifications with a good result, because it is difficult to accept five games without a victory. he said, aware of the disappointment of the players and supporters. The coach also spoke about the importance of fighting until the end: “We have to make the Malagasy proud and proud to wear this jersey. And then, there is also this geographical conflict, we must do everything to prevent our Comorian neighbors from leaving with victory,” he clarified.
All the Malagasy players, despite the disappointment of the campaign, are ready to give their all for this final match. “We start with the same 23 players, except for the return of Sonny Laiton from suspension,” explained Hugon, who ensures that there will be no major upheaval in the team. Injuries and physical fatigue will be taken into account, especially as a result of the last match against Tunisia, but the aim remains the same: to put on a good show and, if possible, a positive result achievement The players are aware of the difficulties encountered so far, but their competitive spirit remains intact. The aim is also to pay tribute to the former coach, Roro Rakotondrabe, who led the team in the first stages of these qualifications. “A good match and a good result would also be a way to dedicate this victory to Roro, who fought for the good of the team,” Hugon finished. So this derby in the Indian Ocean promises to be a real struggle, with Barea looking to end their tour on a positive note, and Comorians keen to cement their place among the best nations on the continent. The game starts at 8:00 pm (local time).
Herinia Samson
1. How important is tonight’s match for Barea of Madagascar, considering their disappointing campaign so far and the stakes of the match for Comoros, who are already qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations?
2. Can you elaborate on the interim coach’s statement that even though qualification is out of reach, there are still goals to achieve in this final match? What are these goals, and how will they evaluate success in this game?
3. How have the players reacted to the disappointment of not qualifying for the tournament, and what steps have they taken to remain motivated and focused for this game?
4. What changes can we expect in the Barea team’s lineup for tonight’s match, given the return of Sonny Laiton from suspension and any injuries or physical fatigue from their last match against Tunisia?
5. In what ways will the team honor their former coach, Roro Rakotondrabe, who led the team during the initial stages of the qualifications, through this upcoming match?
6. How does the geographical context of this match, with both teams hailing from countries in the Indian Ocean, add to the intensity and significance of the game?
7. Lastly, what challenges does Barea of Madagascar face in trying to secure a win against a Comoros team that has been performing well throughout the qualifiers?
