31st August, 2011
A shocking news coming from Madagascar, the Super Eagles’ opponents in Sunday’s Africa Nations Cup qualifying match, indicated that the entire Barea team have been sacked by the country’s football authority, Malagasy Football Federation, MFF.
According to Reuters, the MFF announced that the Barea have been disbanded and have been replaced by the country’s U-23 team for the crucial Nations Cup qualifier against Nigeria’s Eagles.
The report says the Barea were disbanded after poor performances in this month’s Indian Ocean Islands Games and a row over allowance payments.
Frank Rajaonarisamba has also replaced Maurice Mosa as coach.
“We already felt the atmosphere in the team was not serene before the team left for the Games,†Malagasy Football Federation vice president, Doda Andriamiasasoa told the country’s L’Express newspaper.
Andriamiasasoa said that “the players had demanded more money and boycotted training. Such behaviour is unworthy of players called to defend the colours of their country.â€
Madagascar’s Olympic team will now take on the powerful Nigeria in Antananarivo on Sunday; a decision that boosts the Super Eagles’ hopes of securing the three points at stake in the match and definitely catch up with Group B leaders, Guinea. Madagascar lie bottom of the group with one point from four games.
A new-look Madagascar team that will face the Eagles parade a player like Baggio Rakotonomenjanahary from USST in Reunion. He is selected along with players from the Under-23 squad.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Robin Jean-Claude Rakotonirina (Ascum), Chrétien Randriamifehy (Tana FC Formation), Jean Dieudonné Randrianasolo (Cnaps).
Defenders: Abdallah Aoulad (Japan Actuel’s), Léonard Besabotsy (AS Adema), Andreas Fabricio (Cnaps), Bosco Jean (Ascum), Edgard Ndrasana (AS Adema), Lanto Randriamanalina (Tana FC Formation), Julio Razafimahatratra (Cnaps), Bienvenu Razaka (AS Comato), Pierralit Tovonay (Ajesaia), Mario (Japan Actuel’s).
Midfielders: Urbain Andriamampionona (Académie ny Antsika), Fabrice Maevatombo (TCO Boeny), Ando Manoelantsoa (Ajesaia), Fredinand Ramanamahefa (Tana FC Formation), Tigana Razafimanindry (Académie ny Antsika).
Strikers: Milison Niasexe (AS Adema), Yvan Rajoarimanana (Cnaps), Baggio Rakotonomenjanahary (USS Tamponnaise, Réunion), Jean-Jacques Razanajafy (Ajesaia), Jeannot Vombola (Cnaps sport).
Meanwhile, Nigerian team’s flight to Madagascar this afternoon was delayed by seven hours, officials announced.
Air Nigeria said they only got a clearance to jet out of the country 8.30 pm also on Wednesday.
The team were to have jetted out on a special chartered flight 1pm local time Wednesday, but the Air Nigeria flight has now been rescheduled for 8.30pm today.
Team spokesman Colin Udoh told MTNFootball.com that the Eagles fixed an evening training session for 4p.m. today after which they will proceed to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for the flight to Antananarivo.
A check at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja camp of the team revealed that the players were still observing rest as at noon.
Israel-based defender Efe Ambrose was the last arrival early today. There are now a total of 20 players in camp.
Skipper Joseph Yobo, Ike Uche and Gege Soriola will complete the squad when they meet up in Antananarivo