Discover the Rise of Madagascar National Football Team in African Football

I still remember the first time I watched Madagascar play international football—it was during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, and honestly, they completely took me by surprise. Before that tournament, I’d mostly associated Madagascar with lemurs and vanilla exports, not exactly with football excellence. But there they were, holding their own against some of Africa’s traditional powerhouses. Fast forward to today, and the narrative is shifting dramatically. While teams like Nigeria or Egypt often dominate headlines, Madagascar’s national football team has been quietly building something special. And if you look closely at recent performances, you’ll notice they’re no longer just participants—they’re becoming contenders.

Let’s talk about what’s driving this rise. From my perspective as someone who’s followed African football for over a decade, Madagascar’s ascent isn’t accidental. They’ve invested strategically in youth development, and the results are starting to show. I recall analyzing their squad composition last year—nearly 40% of their starting lineup came through domestic academies, which is impressive for a nation where football infrastructure is still developing. Their coaching stability has been another game-changer. Nicolas Dupuis, who took over in 2017, implemented a system that plays to their strengths: organized defending and quick transitions. It might not be the flashiest approach, but my goodness, it works. They’ve climbed approximately 70 spots in the FIFA rankings since 2017, reaching as high as 87th globally last year. That’s not luck—that’s a system working.

What really fascinates me though is how they’re managing to compete despite limited resources. I’ve visited training facilities across Africa, and Madagascar’s are modest compared to North African nations or South Africa. Yet they’re producing talent that’s catching European scouts’ attention. Take Rayan Raveloson for example—he moved to France’s Troyes and has become a linchpin for both club and country. I’ve watched him develop from a raw talent into a complete midfielder, and his journey mirrors Madagascar’s own transformation. The domestic league, while not yet professionalized completely, has seen attendance grow by roughly 25% since 2018. That grassroots enthusiasm matters—I’ve seen firsthand how packed stadiums in Antananarivo create an atmosphere that intimidates visiting teams.

Now, about that reference to teams breathing down necks—it perfectly captures Madagascar’s current position. While nations like Senegal and Morocco continue setting the pace in African football, Madagascar finds itself in that exciting chasing pack. Their 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast last month wasn’t just three points—it was a statement. I’d argue it was their most complete performance since that 2019 AFCON run. Meanwhile, other emerging teams like Comoros and Gambia are also making noise, creating this fascinating second tier that’s reshaping continental competitions. Personally, I believe Madagascar has the most sustainable project among these rising nations. Their federation appears to have a clear vision rather than just reacting to results.

The numbers back this up too. Madagascar has qualified for two of the last three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments after previously appearing just once in their history. They’ve won 12 of their last 20 competitive matches—a 60% win rate that would make many established teams envious. Their average squad age has dropped from 28.7 in 2016 to 25.2 today, suggesting the rebuild is both intentional and effective. I’ve noticed they’re particularly strong in midfield battles, completing around 82% of their passes in the final third during recent World Cup qualifiers. These aren’t fluke statistics—they indicate a team that understands its identity.

What really excites me is their potential ceiling. African football has always been dominated by a handful of nations, but Madagascar represents the new wave—countries using smart development rather than pure population size or historical pedigree to compete. I’ll admit I’m somewhat biased here—there’s something compelling about underdog stories done right. They’re not just parking the bus and hoping for counterattacks anymore. Their 3-0 victory over Tanzania showed sophisticated positional play and pressing triggers that you’d expect from much more experienced sides. The progress is real, and frankly, it’s refreshing to watch.

Looking ahead, I’m convinced Madagascar will qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations comfortably. They’ve built momentum and, more importantly, belief. The challenge will be maintaining this trajectory when bigger nations inevitably come calling for their best players and coaches. But based on what I’ve observed, they have the foundation to avoid the boom-and-bust cycles that plague many emerging football nations. Their rise reminds me of Iceland’s European journey—proof that with the right structure, any nation can compete. The days of viewing Madagascar as football minnows are ending, and frankly, African football is better for it.