Madagascar: Boucher and Ferber called up for the first time ahead of Nigeria clash

Madagascar has called up goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher and forward Roman Ferber for the first time ahead of the opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Barea will travel to Nigeria on September 25 before facing Tanzania four days later.

Head coach Corentin Martins has selected 25 players for this initial gathering of the qualifying campaign, according to the Confederation of African Football. Warren Caddy also makes his return to the squad, which features attackers including Hakim Abdallah and Arnaud Randrianantenaina.

Boucher, a goalkeeper for ESTAC Troyes, joins the senior national team at the age of 34, completing the trio of goalkeepers alongside Geordan Dupire and Nina Rakotoasimbola. Ferber, 33, plays for Atert Bissen in Luxembourg and is included in the Malagasy squad for the first time.

Martins is also relying on several established players. Marco Ilaimaharitra, Rayan Raveloson, and Loïc Lapoussin are included in midfield, while Andy Pelmard and Thomas Fontaine are among the ten defenders selected.

Madagascar approaches these qualifiers after having reached the final of the African Nations Championship. The Barea, however, missed the last final phase of the Africa Cup of Nations and are looking to return to the continental competition.

The first test will take place on September 25 on Nigerian soil. Madagascar will follow up on September 29 against Tanzania to conclude this first window of the qualifiers.