CHAN2024: Madagascar head coach reveals secret behind impressive CHAN performance
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 22.08.25. | 10:25
The Barea advanced to the quarter finals after finishing second in Group B and will face Kenya today, Friday, 22 August, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani
Madagascar head coach Romuald Rakotondrabe has disclosed the force behind the team's impressive performances at the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
The Barea advanced to the quarter finals after finishing second in Group B and will face Kenya today, Friday, 22 August, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, from 1700 hrs.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Thursday, 21 March, Romuald revealed the drive within his team, which he said does not have stars like Kenya or Tanzania
“Maybe our strength also lies in having players with a lot of character and temperament. And above all, our unity.
Our unity is our strength. Because we don’t have a player like, for example, Kenya’s number 15 (Ryan Wesley Ogam) or Tanzania’s number 24 (Clement Mzize).
We don’t have an individual who can single-handedly change a game. But perhaps our strength is in our collective,” stated Romuald.
The tactician also explained Madagascar's motivation at CHAN, including winning bronze in the last edition despite not having a strong league.
“Well, in football, there are no miracles, no secrets. For me, honestly, it is work. If we’ve reached this stage, it is because of our work.
We have put in a lot of hard work back home in Madagascar. You are right, our league is not the same as the leagues in Tanzania, Algeria, or Morocco. But we are making progress, little by little,” he added.
Romuald acknowledged the aspect of luck in their qualification but drew inspiration from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) performance.
.jpg)
“We have come through a tough qualification in Group B, where every team deserved a place in the quarter-finals. We are fortunate to qualify, and now we will give everything.
Six years ago, Madagascar reached the AFCON quarter-finals. This is a different competition with a different team, but the spirit is the same,” he remarked.
Additionally, Romuald noted that the clash against Kenya provides an equal chance for each side to reach the last four.
“We are here because of the hard work put in by the players, who have given everything to reach this stage. We are proud to be here, and the quarter-final will be a 50-50 contest for both sides.”
