Madagascar national football team facts for kids
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 | Romuald Rakotondrabe | |||||||||||||
Captain | Rayan Raveloson | |||||||||||||
Most caps | Paulin Voavy (67) | |||||||||||||
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 1 (7 February 2019) | |||||||||||||
Highest | 74 (December 1992) | |||||||||||||
Lowest | 190 (March 2014) | |||||||||||||
Elo ranking | ||||||||||||||
Current | 121 2 (3 March 2019) | |||||||||||||
Highest | 64 (December 1964) | |||||||||||||
Lowest | 167 (April 2007) | |||||||||||||
First international | ||||||||||||||
Madagascar 1–2 Mauritius (Madagascar; Date Unknown 1947) |
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Biggest win | ||||||||||||||
Madagascar 8–1 Congo (Antananarivo, Madagascar; 19 April 1960) |
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Biggest defeat | ||||||||||||||
Mauritius 7–0 Madagascar (Réunion; 31 July 1952) Congo-Léopoldville 7–0 Madagascar (Congo; 18 July 1965) |
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Africa Cup of Nations | ||||||||||||||
Appearances | 1 (first in 2019) | |||||||||||||
Best result | Quarter-finals (2019) | |||||||||||||
African Nations Championship | ||||||||||||||
Appearances | 1 (first in 2022) | |||||||||||||
Best result | Third place (2022) | |||||||||||||
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.
Results and fixtures
The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.
Win Draw Loss Fixture
2023
2023 AFCON qualification 27 March | Central African Republic | 2–0 | Madagascar | Douala, Cameroun | ||
15:00 UTC+1 | https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2022/09/27/africa/africa-cup-of-nations-qualification/central-african-republic/madagascar/3783015/ | Stadium: Stade de la Réunification Referee: Issa Mouhamed (Benin) |
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2023 AFCON qualification 18 June | Madagascar | 0–0 | Ghana | Antananarivo, Madagascar | ||
17:00 UTC+3 | https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2023/06/00/africa/africa-cup-of-nations-qualification/madagascar/ghana/3783016/ | Stadium: Mahamasina Municipal Stadium Referee: Patrice Milazare (Mauritius) |
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2023 AFCON qualification 7 September | Angola | 0–0 | Madagascar | Lubango, Angola | ||
17:00 UTC+1 | https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2023/09/00/africa/africa-cup-of-nations-qualification/angola/madagascar/3783018/ | Stadium: Estádio Nacional da Tundavala Referee: Jalal Jayed (Morocco) |
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Friendly 17 October | Madagascar | 2–1 | Benin | Mohammedia, Morocco | ||
https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2023/10/17/world/friendlies/madagascar/benin/4262262/ | Stadium: Stade El Bachir |
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2026 World Cup Qualification 17 November | Ghana | 1–0 | Madagascar | Kumasi, Ghana | ||
16:00 UTC±0 | https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/match-centre/match/520/288282/288289/400017624 | Stadium: Baba Yara Stadium Attendance: 45,000 Referee: Samir Guezzaz (Morocco) |
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2026 World Cup Qualification 20 November | Chad | 0–3 | Madagascar | Oujda, Morocco | ||
20:00 UTC+1 | https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/match-centre/match/520/288282/288289/400017629 | Stadium: Stade municipal d'Oujda Attendance: 3,000 Referee: Tewodros Mitiku (Ethiopia) |
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2024
International Friendly Tournament 22 March | Madagascar | 1–0 | Burundi | Antananarivo, Madagascar | ||
13:00 UTC+3 | Stadium: Mahamasina Municipal Stadium |
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International Friendly Tournament 25 March | Madagascar | 0–2 | Rwanda | Antananarivo, Madagascar | ||
16:00 UTC+3 | Stadium: Mahamasina Municipal Stadium |
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2026 World Cup Qualification June | Madagascar | v | Comoros | |||
2026 World Cup Qualification June | Madagascar | v | Mali | |||
2025
2026 World Cup Qualification March | Central African Republic | v | Madagascar | |||
2026 World Cup Qualification March | Madagascar | v | Ghana | |||
2026 World Cup Qualification September | Madagascar | v | Central African Republic | |||
2026 World Cup Qualification September | Madagascar | v | Chad | |||
2026 World Cup Qualification October | Comoros | v | Madagascar | |||
2026 World Cup Qualification October | Mali | v | Madagascar | |||
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 (2022–2023)
- Romuald Rakotondrabe (2023-present)
Players
Current squad
The following players were called up for the friendly matches against Burundi and Rwanda on 22 and 25 March 2024.
Caps and goals updated after the match against Central African Republic on 27 March 2023.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
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GK | Zakanirina Rakotoasimbola | 14 October 1999 | 18 | 0 | ASSM Elgeco Plus | |
GK | Téva Gardies | 1 April 2001 | 0 | 0 | Paris | |
GK | Sonny Laiton | 28 January 2000 | 0 | 0 | Auxerre | |
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DF | Rado Niaina Rabemananjara | 4 | 0 | AS Fanalamanga | ||
DF | Tantely Randrianiaina | 13 February 1989 | 36 | 0 | Disciples | |
DF | Fabien Boyer | 12 April 1991 | 6 | 0 | Saint-Pierroise | |
2 | DF | Louis Démoléon | 16 April 1997 | 1 | 0 | Budoni |
5 | DF | Berajo | 23 March 1997 | 26 | 0 | Saint-Denis |
12 | DF | Kenji-Van Boto | 7 March 1996 | 9 | 0 | Pau |
20 | DF | Romain Métanire | 28 March 1990 | 27 | 0 | Spokane Velocity |
DF | Tantely Rabarijaona | 17 February 1995 | 19 | 0 | CFFA | |
DF | Kenny Lala | 3 October 1991 | 0 | 0 | Brest | |
DF | Andriniaina Amourson | 6 January 2000 | 0 | 0 | Fosa Juniors | |
DF | Robin Busset | 25 February 2000 | 0 | 0 | Nyon | |
DF | Nantenaina Randriamanampisoa | 17 July 1994 | 4 | 0 | ASSM Elgeco Plus | |
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MF | Ando Manoelantsoa | 6 April 1991 | 14 | 0 | Saint-Pierroise | |
6 | MF | Marco Ilaimaharitra | 26 July 1995 | 25 | 3 | Charleroi |
7 | MF | Rayan Raveloson (captain) | 16 January 1997 | 29 | 3 | Auxerre |
8 | MF | Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa | 10 March 1998 | 19 | 1 | CFFA |
14 | MF | Clément Couturier | 13 September 1993 | 1 | 0 | Swift Hesperange |
18 | MF | Rojo Andriamanjato | 11 August 1992 | 23 | 1 | Saint-Pauloise |
MF | Pierre Michael Rakotoarisoa | 27 March 1996 | 7 | 0 | Fosa Juniors | |
MF | Andy Rakotondrajoa | 24 July 2003 | 2 | 0 | Disciples | |
MF | Baggio Rakotoharisoa | 24 January 1996 | 21 | 0 | Jeanne d'Arc | |
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FW | Carolus Andriamahitsinoro | 6 July 1989 | 42 | 9 | Al-Kawkab | |
17 | FW | Loïc Lapoussin | 27 March 1996 | 17 | 1 | Union SG |
9 | FW | Arnaud Randrianantenaina | 3 January 2001 | 12 | 2 | El Gouna |
11 | FW | El Hadari Raheriniaina | 19 August 2006 | 8 | 2 | St Michel United |
FW | Sayha Seha | 15 January 2005 | 0 | 0 | Marseille B | |
FW | Toky Randriatsiferana | 5 August 1996 | 0 | 0 | Saint-Pauloise | |
FW | Hakim Abdallah | 9 January 1998 | 13 | 1 | Dinamo București | |
FW | Tendry Randrianarijaona | 19 March 1998 | 17 | 3 | Disciples | |
FW | Jean-Yves Razafindrakoto | 16 August 1997 | 12 | 3 | ASSM Elgeco Plus |
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 | Allan Rakotovazaha | 3 October 1999 | 0 | 0 | US Créteil (res) | v. Chad, 20 November 2023 |
GK | Melvin Adrien | 30 August 1993 | 27 | 0 | Thonon Evian | v. Chad, 20 November 2023 |
GK | Mathyas Randriamamy | 23 April 2003 | 2 | 0 | Ermis Aradippou | v. Ghana, 17 November 2023 |
GK | Rajomazandry Andrinirina | 7 July 2000 | 0 | 0 | JET Kintana | v. Central African Republic, 27 March 2023 |
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DF | Titouan Fortun | 28 January 2004 | 4 | 0 | Nantes (res) | v. Chad, 20 November 2023 |
DF | Thomas Fontaine | 8 May 1991 | 28 | 1 | Sochaux | v. Chad, 20 November 2023 |
DF | Nomena Andriatiana | 6 February 2000 | 0 | 0 | Aubagne FC | v. Chad, 20 November 2023 |
DF | Sylvio Ouassiero | 7 May 1994 | 5 | 0 | F91 Dudelange | v. Chad, 20 November 2023 |
DF | Radoniaina Rabemanantsoa | 17 December 1997 | 3 | 0 | AS Fanalamanga | v. Ghana, 17 November 2023 |
DF | Datsiry Rakotonirina | 1 June 1991 | 13 | 0 | ASSM Elgeco Plus | v. Ghana, 18 June 2023 |
DF | Théodin Ramanjary | 16 August 1996 | 9 | 0 | Sainte-Suzanne | v. Ghana, 18 June 2023 |
DF | Mahavy Tiana Randrianarisoa | 28 November 1996 | 0 | 0 | Unknown | v. Ghana, 18 June 2023 |
DF | Ando Rakotondrazaka | 25 September 1987 | 30 | 0 | Disciples | 2022 African Nations Championship |
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MF | Tsiry Randriatsiferana | 5 August 1996 | 24 | 6 | Fosa Juniors | v. Chad, 20 November 2023 |
MF | Dorian Bertrand | 21 May 1993 | 8 | 0 | Argeș Pitești | v. Chad, 20 November 2023 |
MF | Adrien Trebel | 3 March 1991 | 0 | 0 | Charleroi | v. Chad, 20 November 2023 |
MF | Tendry Mataniah | 19 March 1998 | 18 | 4 | Disciples | v. Ghana, 17 November 2023 |
MF | Dax Andrianarimanana | 21 April 1991 | 33 | 1 | Fosa Juniors | v. Ghana, 18 June 2023 |
MF | Zout Randriambololona | 22 April 1994 | 21 | 0 | Al-Nojoom | v. Ghana, 18 June 2023 |
MF | Ibrahim Amada | 28 February 1990 | 40 | 3 | Al-Qadsiah | v. Central African Republic, 27 March 2023 |
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FW | Njiva Rakotoharimalala | 6 August 1992 | 50 | 14 | Ratchaburi | v. Chad, 20 November 2023 |
FW | Warren Caddy | 9 April 1997 | 1 | 0 | FC Annecy | v. Chad, 20 November 2023 |
FW | Julio Donisa | 15 January 1994 | 6 | 1 | Argeș Pitești | v. Central African Republic, 27 March 2023 |
FW | Koloina Razafindranaivo | 25 March 2000 | 10 | 3 | MC Alger | v. Ghana, 18 June 2023 |
FW | Toky Rakotondraibe | 10 July 2000 | 0 | 0 | Unknown | v. Ghana, 18 June 2023 |
FW | Gilles Razafimaro | 27 January 1999 | 0 | 0 | ASSM Elgeco Plus | v. Ghana, 18 June 2023 |
FW | Marcio Ravelomanantsoa | 15 October 1996 | 14 | 2 | JET Kintana | 2022 African Nations Championship |
FW | Onjaniaina Hasinirina | 30 March 1995 | 6 | 0 | ASSM | 2022 African Nations Championship |
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Records
- Players in bold are still active with Madagascar.
Most appearances
Rank | Player | Caps | Goals | Career |
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1 | Paulin Voavy | 67 | 15 | 2007–present |
2 | Mamisoa Razafindrakoto | 63 | 0 | 1998–2011 |
3 | Gervais Randrianarisoa | 52 | 0 | 2005–2022 |
4 | Njiva Rakotoharimalala | 50 | 14 | 2014–present |
5 | Jimmy Radafison | 49 | 0 | 2000–2011 |
6 | Faneva Imà Andriatsima | 47 | 14 | 2003–2019 |
Lalaina Nomenjanahary | 47 | 5 | 2006–2021 | |
Eric-Julien Rakotondrabe | 47 | 0 | 1999–2011 | |
9 | Carolus Andriamatsinoro | 45 | 11 | 2009–present |
10 | Pascal Razakanantenaina | 41 | 2 | 2007–2021 |
Top goalscorers
Rank | Player | Goals | Caps | Ratio | Career |
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1 | Paulin Voavy | 15 | 67 | 0.22 | 2007–present |
2 | Faneva Imà Andriatsima | 14 | 47 | 0.3 | 2005–2019 |
Njiva Rakotoharimalala | 14 | 50 | 0.28 | 2014–present | |
4 | Harry Randrianaivo | 11 | 21 | 0.52 | 1990–2003 |
Carolus Andriamatsinoro | 11 | 45 | 0.24 | 2009–present | |
6 | Ruphin Menakely | 10 | 25 | 0.4 | 1998–2003 |
7 | Sarivahy Vombola | 8 | 30 | 0.27 | 2011–2017 |
Rado Rasoanaivo | 8 | 40 | 0.2 | 1992–2003 | |
9 | Tsiry Randriatsiferana | 6 | 25 | 0.24 | 2022–present |
10 | Praxis Rabemananjara | 5 | 16 | 0.31 | 2001–2008 |
Lalaina Nomenjanahary | 5 | 47 | 0.11 | 2006–2021 |
Competitive record
FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup | Qualification | ||||||||||||||||
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Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GR | ||
1930 to 1958 | Part of France | Part of France | |||||||||||||||
as Malagasy Republic | as Malagasy Republic | ||||||||||||||||
1962 | Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | |||||||||||||||
1966 and 1970 | Did not enter | Did not enter | |||||||||||||||
1974 | Withdrew | Withdrew | |||||||||||||||
as Madagascar | as Madagascar | ||||||||||||||||
1978 | Did not enter | Did not enter | |||||||||||||||
1982 | Did not qualify | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | details | |||||||||
1986 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | details | ||||||||||
1990 | Did not enter | Did not enter | |||||||||||||||
1994 | Did not qualify | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 3 | details | |||||||||
1998 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | details | ||||||||||
2002 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 16 | details | ||||||||||
2006 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | details | ||||||||||
2010 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 9 | details | ||||||||||
2014 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | details | ||||||||||
2018 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 7 | details | ||||||||||
2022 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 9 | details | ||||||||||
2026 | To be determined | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | details | |||||||||
2030 | To be determined | details | |||||||||||||||
2034 | details | ||||||||||||||||
Total | – | 0/15 | – | – | – | – | – | – | 44 | 14 | 9 | 21 | 49 | 61 | – |
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 | |
1957 | Part of France | Part of France | ||||||||||||||
1959 | ||||||||||||||||
1962 | Not affiliated to CAF | Not affiliated to CAF | ||||||||||||||
1963 | ||||||||||||||||
1965 | Did not enter | Did not enter | ||||||||||||||
1968 | ||||||||||||||||
1970 | ||||||||||||||||
1972 | Did not qualify | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 | details | ||||||||
1974 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | details | |||||||||
1976 | Withdrew | Withdrew | ||||||||||||||
1978 | Did not enter | Did not enter | ||||||||||||||
1980 | Did not qualify | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | details | ||||||||
1982 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 7 | details | |||||||||
1984 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | details | |||||||||
1986 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | details | |||||||||
1988 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | details | |||||||||
1990 | Withdrew | Withdrew | ||||||||||||||
1992 | Did not qualify | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | details | ||||||||
1994 | Did not enter | Did not enter | ||||||||||||||
1996 | Withdrew during qualifiers | Withdrew during qualifiers | ||||||||||||||
1998 | Banned for withdrawal from qualifiers in 1996 | Banned for withdrawal from qualifiers in 1996 | ||||||||||||||
2000 | Did not qualify | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 12 | details | ||||||||
2002 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 8 | details | |||||||||
2004 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 8 | details | |||||||||
2006 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | details | |||||||||
2008 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 14 | details | |||||||||
2010 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 9 | details | |||||||||
2012 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 14 | details | |||||||||
2013 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 7 | details | |||||||||
2015 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | details | |||||||||
2017 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 12 | details | |||||||||
2019 | Quarter-finals | 6th | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 12 | 10 | details | |
2021 | Did not qualify | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 9 | details | ||||||||
2023 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 9 | details | |||||||||
2025 | To be determined | To be determined | ||||||||||||||
2027 | ||||||||||||||||
Total | Quarter-finals | 1/36 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 93 | 26 | 23 | 44 | 90 | 155 | – |
African Nations Championship
African Games
Indian Ocean Island Games
COSAFA Cup
Honours
- African Nations Championship
- COSAFA Cup
- Indian Ocean Island Games
See also
In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Madagascar para niños